Environmental health literacy (EHL) and its association with knowledge, attitudes, risk avoidance, and stakeholder trust among residents near a petrochemical industry

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is a critical framework for understanding how individuals process and apply information about environmental exposures and their health implications. This study explores the factors influencing EHL among residents living near petrochemical industries in Taiwan. A validated questionnaire, developed through focus groups with residents and political leaders, assessed demographics, EHL levels, risk avoidance behaviours, environmental knowledge, and trust in stakeholders. The EHL scale measured four domains: accessing, understanding, appraising, and applying information on petrochemical pollutants. Participants included an exposure group (residents near petrochemical industries) and a control group (general population). Multiple regression and moderation analyses were conducted. Findings revealed no significant differences between the groups in EHL scores, risk attitudes, or avoidance behaviours. However, risk perception and trust in stakeholders varied significantly. Age and education influenced all EHL domains. Higher EHL scores correlated with greater environmental knowledge, proactive environmental actions, and diverse information sources. Additionally, EHL interacted with environmental attitudes, affecting knowledge, participation, and trust in stakeholders. These results highlight the role of EHL in bridging environmental awareness and action. Strengthening EHL can enhance individuals' ability to make informed, health-protective decisions, emphasizing its importance in environmental risk communication and community engagement.