Climate Change-Related Psychosocial Profiles Among Nursing Academics in Saudi Arabia: A Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Psychology
• Higher Education

Background:

• Climate change poses significant global health risks.
• Understanding the psychosocial factors influencing academic responses to climate change is crucial for developing effective educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the psychosocial profiles, knowledge, and awareness of climate change among nursing academics in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify potential barriers and facilitators for climate change education and engagement in higher education.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining web-based questionnaires (Climate Change Perceptions Scale, Urban Residents Psychological Security Scale, Neighborhood Cohesion Instrument) and semi-structured interviews.
• Data collected from 77 nursing faculty members across four Saudi Arabian universities, with 20 participating in interviews.

Main Results:

• Participants demonstrated moderate climate change perception (Mean=43.10/56) and high psychological security (Mean=61.01/80).
• Neighborhood cohesion was moderate (Mean=61.63/100), with strong psychological sense of community.
• Interview themes included recognizing climate change, security perceptions, and neighborhood engagement.

Conclusions:

• Climate change awareness and perception alone are insufficient for effective action.
• Proactive strategies and targeted interventions are essential to enhance academics' engagement with environmental challenges.
• Higher education institutions must integrate climate change education to foster greater awareness and preparedness.