This line of research analyzes knowledge and perceptions of environmental factors and their impact on health, both among the general public and professional groups. While awareness alone may not lead directly to behavioral or policy changes, it is essential for informed decision-making and effective actions in environmental health. Environmental exposures contribute to 25% of global mortality, with a greater impact in developing countries. However, international studies show that healthcare professionals have a limited understanding of environmental health, even though they acknowledge its importance and express interest in strengthening their competencies.

In addition, this research evaluates the attitudes, skills, and available resources of relevant groups to foster their ability to take action against environmental risks. The aim is to build a solid scientific foundation that can drive behavioral, political, and organizational changes to protect health from environmental factors.

Line 3.1 – Study of knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes regarding Environmental Health (EH) among healthcare professionals

This subline focuses on analyzing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of healthcare professionals—including family physicians, family nurses, midwives, general nurses, gynecologists, and pediatricians—who care for the general public or specific subgroups (mainly in Primary Care). It also targets students in degree programs that lead to those professions (e.g., medicine and nursing students).

A questionnaire assessing knowledge of Environmental Health will be developed and validated through a pilot phase, and then administered to both professional and student groups. Based on this, a set of FAQs and answers on the most common or relevant topics will be compiled for healthcare professionals. This content will be made accessible on the websites of the Department of Health and Osakidetza.

Line 3.2 – Perception of environmental health risks

The research group has conducted studies on the perception of various environmental health risks, aligned with reference frameworks from international studies. It has also worked to identify predictor variables that explain public perceptions and attitudes toward industrial facilities, which often generate controversy and divergent opinions within affected communities.

Improving risk communication processes and ensuring citizen participation from the early stages (at the institutional level) is a key objective for the group. Providing scientifically accurate and relevant information within collaborative, reflective frameworks can help reduce public tension and support decision-making processes. Efforts to promote communication, participation, and understanding of environmental concepts bridge both research and professional outreach.

Line 3.3 – Knowledge Transfer and Communication

The research group plans to develop a knowledge transfer and communication line focused on environmental exposures and their health effects, particularly targeting children and adolescents, while also including vulnerable groups and the general population. These exposures include biological, physical, chemical, and socioeconomic factors within the urban and social environment. The group intends to hire a Communication or Marketing specialist to develop a website offering up-to-date information for professionals and the public. The site will feature FAQs about environmental risks, access to reference documents, and guidance for participatory projects in socially contentious contexts. Alongside this, a communication strategy for the group will be created, and collaborations with media and professionals will be sought to promote education, support complex case analyses, and disseminate scientific content ultimately raising awareness of environmental health issues.