Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Medical Students in Addressing Climate Change and Associated Health Problems
Keywords:
Climate change, environmental health, medical students, knowledge, attitudes, practicesAbstract
Objectives : To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of medical students in addressing climate change and its health impacts, as well as to identify gaps in the medical curriculum and propose developmental strategies.
Methods : A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 53 fourth- to sixth-year medical students at the Clinical Medical Education Center, Mahasarakham Hospital. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results : The participants had a median age of 23.0 years (Q1, Q3=22.0, 23.0) and a median GPA of 3.4 (Q1, Q3=3.1, 3.5). Median scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices in managing climate change and related health issues were 9 (Q1, Q3=8, 10), 74 (Q1, Q3=67, 78), and 47 (Q1, Q3=38, 63), respectively. Knowledge was significantly associated with age (p=0.047,AOR =0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.9) and GPA (p=0.021, AOR=14.8; 95% CI: 1.5–146.0). Attitudes were positively correlated with practices (p=0.023, AOR =4.0; 95% (p=0.017, AOR =0.3; 95%
CI: 0.1–0.9).
Most participants perceived the teaching of climate change and related health issues in the medical curriculum as insufficient. They suggested integrating this topic into all academic years, adding in-depth content, organizing workshops with a focus on hands-on community engagement, and developing interprofessional education approaches.
Conclusions : Knowledge levels were associated with age and GPA, while attitudes correlated with practices. The judging personality type was linked to better practices. Gaps in the current medical curriculum highlight the need for improvement.
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