Level of Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Climate Change and its Impact on Health

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change is the prevailing issue on hand. It has both direct and indirect impact on public health that ranges from increasing respiratory, infectious and vector-borne diseases to its impact on mental health, agricultural sector and food security. This increases disease burden and raises challenge for health sector in many ways. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are at key position to address this issue. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate level of knowledge and awareness regarding climate change and its impact on health among general population of public sector and Bari Imam Community. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among general population of Bari Imam Community and public sector. Data was collected from 150 participants. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. The results were expressed in descriptive statistics. Results: Study findings show that 62% participants have knowledge about climate change. Out of 150 participants 80% thinks that climate change has impact on health. Only 32% participants are familiar with the fact that climate change can also impact mental health. 68% of participants are not aware policies and initiatives for mitigating impact of climate change. Only 42% of participants think that they can individually play a role in addressing climate change. Conclusion: Climate change needs to be viewed as a public health issue and it is important to address the issue of climate change to decrease morbidity and mortality rate.