Investigation of Global Climate Change Awareness Levels Among Faculty of Medicine Students

Abstract Background According to the WHO, climate change is the biggest threat to global health in the 21st century. Thus, it is important to understand medicine faculty students’-who are future doctors-awareness of climate change and its effects on human health. The aim of this study is to determine the level of awareness of Inonu University Faculty of Medicine students about global climate change. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February and March 2024. The target population consisted of 1692 students studying in a medical university. The sample size was calculated as 260 students based on a percentage of awareness of global climate change of 32.3%, and 283 respondents were included in the study. A questionnaire was used that included questions about the respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics and global climate change awareness. In addition, they answered the items of the Awareness Scale of University Students About Global Climate Change (GCCAS). The dependent variable was total GCCAS scores, and the independent variables included age, concern about climate change, and knowledge status. A Student’s t-test was used in the statistical analysis. Results Of the students, 50.2% were female, 51.6% were older than 22 years of age, 82% were worried about the negative effects of climate change, 79.5% said they received no education about climate change during their medical education. The mean total GCCAS score in the study group was 71.74 +/-13.81. Women, students who were concerned about climate change, and those who had knowledge about climate change had significantly higher mean GCCAS scores (p < 0.05). Conclusions More than 75% of study group said that they had received no education about climate change. However, the percentage of students who were aware of and concerned about climate change and who had information about climate change was even higher. Key messages • Due to the potential for medical students to encounter the health effects of climate change, these issues should be included in education programs to increase their awareness of this important issue. • Medical students need to take conscious and informative steps regarding climate change to help protect the health of future generations.