Nurses' Perceptions and Behaviours Regarding Climate Change and Health: A Quantile Regression Analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Climate change poses significant risks to human health.
• Nurses play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to climate-related health impacts.
• Understanding factors influencing nurses' perceptions and behaviors related to climate change and health (PBCH) is essential for effective public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors associated with nurses' perceptions and behaviors related to climate change and health (PBCH) across different PBCH levels.
• To differentiate strategies for enhancing PBCH based on identified influencing factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 499 Korean nurses.
• Data collected using the Korean version of the Climate Health and Nursing Tool.
• Quantile regression analysis employed to examine associations with PBCH levels.

Main Results:

• Experience of extreme weather events and awareness of climate change-coping facilitators were universally associated with PBCH.
• Factors like religion, income, and workplace climate friendliness were significant for higher PBCH levels (75th percentile).
• Having a child, information sources, and goal-setting experience influenced lower PBCH levels (25th percentile).

Conclusions:

• Differentiated strategies are needed to enhance nurses' PBCH based on their current levels.
• Identifying common and distinct factors can inform universal PBCH characteristics and tailored nursing interventions.
• Enhanced PBCH among nurses is vital for preparedness and effective client care regarding climate change health risks.