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Public health nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding climate change
Barbara J Polivka1, Rosemary V Chaudry, John Mac Crawford
1Ohio State University, Colleges of Nursing and Public Health, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA. Polivka.1@osu.edu
Environmental Health Perspectives
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Public health nurses recognize their role in addressing climate change health impacts but face resource limitations. Further support is needed to empower this crucial workforce in climate action.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Public Health Nursing
- Climate Change Adaptation
Background:
- Climate change poses significant risks to human health, necessitating action from health departments.
- The role and perspectives of public health nurses, a key part of the public health workforce, in addressing climate change impacts are underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess public health nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding climate change.
- To understand their perceived roles in addressing climate-related health impacts within health departments.
- To explore demographic variations in these perceptions.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to nursing directors in U.S. health departments.
- Data were collected from 176 respondents, primarily experienced public health nursing administrators.
Main Results:
- Most respondents believed climate change is occurring and controllable, identifying an average of 5 health impacts.
- A significant portion identified zero impacts, indicating knowledge gaps.
- Public health nurses felt responsible for addressing climate change health effects but lacked the perceived capacity to do so.
Conclusions:
- Public health nurses acknowledge environmental threats and their potential role in mitigating climate change's health consequences.
- Limited resources and personnel were identified as major barriers to effective action in this area.
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