Nurses' perceptions of climate sensitive vector-borne diseases: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Nursing Education

Background:

• Climate change is increasing the incidence of vector-borne diseases.
• Nurses are vital in mitigating health impacts but often lack awareness of their role.
• Vector-borne diseases like Lyme disease and West Nile virus pose growing public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the existing literature on nurses' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with climate-driven vector-borne diseases.
• To identify gaps in research regarding nurses' preparedness for these emerging health threats.
• To inform the development of nursing education guidelines on climate-driven vector-borne diseases.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
• Searches were performed across multiple databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science.
• Thirty-three articles, including grey literature, were independently reviewed by four researchers using PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Main Results:

• The review identified a limited body of literature concerning nurses' engagement with vector-borne diseases.
• Findings were mapped to the five domains of the Guidelines for Undergraduate Nursing Education on Climate-Driven Vector-Borne Diseases.
• Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practice readiness regarding these diseases remain largely under-explored.

Conclusions:

• Nurses have a significant role in addressing climate-related health effects, including vector-borne diseases.
• There is a critical need for more research into nurses' understanding and preparedness for vector-borne diseases.
• Enhanced nursing education and awareness are essential for effective public health interventions in a changing climate.