Publication:

Study of the knowledge, attitude and perceived health effects due to climate change in residents of urban health training centre in Western Maharashtra

Background Climate change is one of the greatest global health challenges of the 21st century. India is especially vulnerable to climate change due to its geographic locations. The impacts of climate change on urban areas are complex. The concentration of population in urban areas increases the complexity of response to such extreme weather events due to various reasons like lack of resources, capacities, and expertise. Aims and objectives were to assess the knowledge and attitude towards climate change and to determine the perception of health effects due to climate change.

Methods This study employed a cross-sectional design with closed ended questions, face-to-face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire. Study was conducted with 385 participants and data were analysed using descriptive statistics with measures like Mean and SD for quantitative variables, percentages for qualitative variables.

Results Participants were majority aged between 41-60 years (37.76%), 60.1% were male, 41.1% belonged to upper lower socioeconomic class. 74% participants had good knowledge towards climate change, 63.14% participants had positive attitudes towards climate change mitigation measures and 88.05% participants had good perception of health effects due to climate change.

Conclusions Despite adequate baseline knowledge, gaps persist, necessitating targeted IEC (information, education, communication) interventions to improve public engagement and policy responsiveness, as 19.26% were unaware of the word climate change and gave neutral responses and an average of 70% agreed on statement that, government is not doing enough on climate change. The study recommends to enhance the awareness among the population through targeted IEC/BCC activities.