Cause and effect analysis of the trend of dust storms using the DPSIR framework in the Hendijan region

Dust particles have detrimental impacts on the environment, economy, and human health. The aim of this research was to analyze the trend (2007–2019) and factors affecting dust storms using the DPSIR framework in Hendijan city. The AHP method was used to determine the weights of factors in each DPSIR component. Affecting factors were also prioritized using Friedman’s test after confirming the validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The results showed that population growth, drought, dust concentration, desertification, and desertification combat with mean ranks equal to 3.37, 10.24, 1.88, 10.76, and 14.90 are, respectively, the most important factors of different DPSIR components. The weights of these factors were calculated to be 0.3, 0.21, 0.69, 0.32, and 0.25, respectively. The results also indicated that all DPSIR components have an ascending trend during the studied period. The trend gradient of the D, P, S, I, and R components curves was equal to 0.06, 0.03, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.02, respectively. In addition to reactive responses, this study suggests focusing on preventive responses can result in more efficient responses. The results of this research can change the attitude of the relevant organs and cause effective and preventive executive operations to improve the dust situation in the region.