Knowledge, opinions and attitudes of physicians regarding air pollution inthe county of the Bouches-du-Rhone

Objective: To evaluate knowledge, opinions and attitudes of physicians towa rds prevention of health consequences from air-pollution, especially photo- chemical pollution. Methods:A questionnaire was prepared by a multidisciplinary group from publ ished literature oil Health impact of air pollution and from local context. It was administered on line among a random sample of physicians practising in the County of the Bouches do Rhone ((Marseille, South-eastern France). The sample consisted in pediatricians (1/2), general practitioners (GP; 1/1 4) and pneumologists. Results: The answer rate was 79% (112/169 GP, 94/107 pediatricians, 82/91 p neumologists). Among the 288 physicians who answered the questionnaire, 44% declared they felt very concerned by air pollution, especially pediatricia ns. While 87% were knowledgeable about SO2 regulations, only 59% (48% among pediatricians) were knowledgeable about ozone regulations. While about all physicians knew the health effects of air pollution episodes on respirator y tract, only half knew that mortality rates can increase significantly dur ing such episodes. Forty percent of physicians had never heard about air po llution episodes that occurred in their city, while air quality control net works had identified them. At last, only 15% of physicians had already give n recommendations to patients during episodes of ozone pollution (above 180 mu g/m(3)). Conclusion: That study shows the need for improving know ledge and attitude s of physicians about air pollution, especially photo-chemical air pollutio n. As physicians are concerned about the Health impact of air pollution, an d patients are demanding about this issue, training and information program mes should be implemented rapidly. However, experimental interventions aime d at reducing the acute effects of air pollution episodes should be evaluat ed to show their efficiency, and to convince physicians with scientific arg uments.