Parents’ and teachers’ perceptions of risks associated with children’s walks to school in Blantyre, Malawi
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
(1) Background: This study explored the challenges faced by schoolchildren while commuting to school, particularly the hazards associated with poor road conditions, exposure to high-speed traffic, and traffic-related air pollution (TRAP). (2) Methods: The research focused on community perspectives gathered through four focus group discussions (FGDs) involving parents and teachers from two primary schools in Blantyre City. Employing qualitative analysis with NVivo, themes, sub-themes, and codes were developed collaboratively within the research team. (3) Results: The community identified road safety risks, emphasizing concerns about different actors’ risky behaviors, poor infrastructure (such as sidewalks, crossings, and signals), and personal safety issues. Proposed solutions for road safety involved educational initiatives for students, infrastructure enhancement, and enforcing stricter penalties. The study revealed a lack of awareness about air pollution among participants, which they often associated solely with unpleasant odors. Suggestions for addressing air pollution centered on educational interventions related to waste disposal and hygiene practices. (4) Conclusions: This research underscores the community’s adeptness at identifying road safety issues and proposing viable interventions. However, it highlights the need for enhanced education and awareness regarding air pollution. The paper advocates for community engagement to comprehensively address these challenges, fostering community cohesion, and empowering community members to advocate for change.
Date Issued
2024-11
Date Acceptance
2024-11-03
Citation
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2024, 21 (11)
ISSN
1660-4601
Publisher
MDPI AG
Journal / Book Title
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume
21
Issue
11
Copyright Statement
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/21/11/1479
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1479
Date Publish Online
2024-11-07