Validation and Adaptation of the Scale of Risk Perception of Air Pollution in Peru

The air pollution as a part of human activity represents a major threat to health causing millions of deaths around the world. How people perceive the risks is a determining factor in mitigating health effects. The aim of the study was to adapt the air pollution risk perception scale (SRPAP). In addition, the study aimed to report on the risk perception of air pollution in the study population. The sample was 562 participants from Peru. Participants were recruited online during the months of November 2022 to July 2023. The results identified a two-factor solution, (1) social factor and (2) personal factor. The factors scored well on reliability and validity indices. The correlation of the two factors was optimal and demonstrated the existence of a general or holistic component. Significant differences were observed with respect to gender. Finally, the implications of the results for the development of future studies and the development of public health programs to mitigate the impact of air pollution are discussed.