Air pollution network attention and its impact factors on basis of Baidu search indexes

Objective To investigate public network attention to air pollution and their desire to prevent haze.

Methods Daily Air Quality Index(AQI) and PM_2.5 concentration data and daily Baidu Index data were obtained in 31 provinces of China from January 1^st, 2015 to December 31^st, 2017.The Baidu indexes of air pollution and its protection were used to compose public′s network attention index for analysis on its spatial distribution in the 31 provinces and for linear regression research on air pollution, its protection and its network attention impact factors.

Results With Baidu search index, it was noted that the network attention to air pollution was significantly higher than to air pollution protection.And a significant difference was found in the public network attention to air pollution between different provinces.It was found that education and consumption level of residents significantly affected public network attention to air pollution, while AQI and consumption level of residents significantly affected public network attention to air pollution hazards protection behaviors.

Conclusions Even though the public has already paid high attention to air pollution, the awareness of air pollution hazards protection behaviors is still weak.Well-designed education campaigns are needed to enhance public awareness of air pollution and motivate the public to take actions to reduce pollution air exposure, especially in those provinces with a high AQI and PM_2.5concentration.