Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Regarding Health and Environment in an Israeli Community: Implications for Sustainable Urban Environments and Public Health

Abstract

Over the past two decades, public health researchers have increasingly emphasized the need to adopt a new, comprehensive approach to the environment that addresses social and spatial aspects of urban life affecting public health in urban areas. Urban authorities can reduce environmental and climate change damages by promoting green construction and clean energy production, establishing recycling stations, encouraging residents to change their consumption and eating patterns, and more. Municipal authorities in Ashkelon, Israel, like their counterparts around the world, recognize the critical importance of participating in global efforts to address the climate crisis. In this context, we conducted a survey to examine the associations between knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding health and the environment among Ashkelon residents. A total of 322 participants from the city’s adult population completed an online questionnaire. Our findings indicate that Ashkelon residents understand the connection between the environment and human behavior and have a positive attitude toward preserving the environment. However, not all the city’s residents exhibit pro-environmental behavior, and not all pro-environmental facilities are accessible to all city residents. Significant positive connections were found between knowledge, attitudes, pro-environmental behavior, and accessibility to facilities. Participants who kept pets at home demonstrated more pro-environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior than those who did not have pets. Strengthening positive attitudes towards the environment is essential if individuals are to acquire knowledge and understand how to maintain a healthy environment. To achieve this end, extensive public education on environmental and climate change issues is needed, and the city environment should promote a healthy lifestyle while preserving the environment.