Knowledge and awareness of climate change and its health impacts among faculty members in health-related faculties in Istanbul

The following abstract is part of the collection for the Planetary Health Annual Meeting 2025.

ABSTRACT

Background: Climate change is recognized as a major global threat to human health in the 21st century. Health professionals are expected to play a vital role in mitigating climate-related health risks and preparing health systems for emerging challenges. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of climate change and health impacts among faculty members working at the health faculties of a public university in Istanbul.

Methods: This descriptive study targeted 494 faculty members across four faculties: Medicine, Dentistry, Health Sciences, and Pharmacy. An online questionnaire was applied between December 2021 and April 2022. A total of 217 responses were collected. The survey included sociodemographic questions and items assessing knowledge and awareness of climate change and its health effects. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact tests, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Ethical approval was obtained.

Findings: Among 217 faculty members, only 37.8% (n=82) correctly defined climate change, though 88% (n=191) believed it affects personal health and 89% (n=193) expressed concern. Two-thirds (n=145) reported modifying consumption habits due to climate change, while only 24.4% (n=53) integrated the topic into their teaching. There were statistically significant differences between gender and health-related perceptions and between faculty type and support for including climate change in the curriculum (p<0.001).

Interpretation: Despite high concern levels, faculty members demonstrated limited knowledge and low integration of climate change into educational content. Enhancing education on climate change and health impacts in the health students’ curriculum is essential for advancing planetary health awareness and action.