Promoting air quality-related awareness and behavioural change: A rapid review of communication interventions integrating behavioural, science communication and socio-ecological perspectives

Abstract

Air pollution (AP) is a global environmental threat to human health and development. Day-to-day behaviours contribute to poor air quality (AQ) but limited public understanding of AQ warrants effective communication strategies to promote awareness and empower positive behavioural change. Through the integration of behavioural, science communication, and socio-ecological frameworks, this rapid review maps existing AQ-related communication interventions and their influence on AQ awareness, protective and/or mitigating behaviours (i.e., avoiding exposure; reducing polluting activities), and civic engagement. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed and grey literature, including 79 studies for analysis. Findings were synthesised narratively and assessed for quality with the QuADS tool. Despite high heterogeneity in intervention types, most served a persuasion or enablement function, often utilising dissemination modes such as websites or web applications, and most assessed awareness and/or engagement in protective behaviours. While most interventions focused on individual/household-level actions and interindividual dynamics, only some considered policy-level actions, and very few embedded infrastructural considerations in their communication. Overall, 47 studies reported positive impacts on awareness and/or behaviours, particularly through participatory approaches, although we noted issues associated with promoting meaningful participation and identified influencing psychosocial factors. Evidence of effectiveness for behaviours was often limited by observational designs and the focus on awareness only or self-reported behaviours/intentions. Our findings highlight growing attempts to communicate AQ-related risks and behavioural solutions through empowering approaches that are sensitive to individual and local circumstances, but note the need for further work to foster mitigating behaviours and civic engagement.