Awareness, Risk Perception of health effects of global warming among high school students in Bangkok
Keywords:
Global warming, health impacts, awareness, risk perception, high school students, BangkokAbstract
Global warming has significant health impacts, including heat-related illnesses, respiratory conditions, and the spread of vector-borne diseases. Understanding and addressing youth awareness and risk perception is essential, as young people are both vulnerable to these impacts and key agents of change. This study aimed to assess awareness and risk perception regarding the health effects of global warming among high school students in Bangkok and to identify significant predictors influencing their risk perception.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 12 and September 27, 2024, using a validated questionnaire. A total of 363 high school students participated, and their responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression analysis. The results showed that 81.82% of students demonstrated a good level of knowledge about the health effects of global warming, but 62.53% had difficulty understanding its indirect impacts, such as the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Overall, 51.24% of participants exhibited a high level of risk perception, 41.05% had a moderate level, and 7.71% had a low level.
Regression analysis identified knowledge as the strongest predictor of risk perception (B = 0.238, p < 0.001), explaining approximately 23.8% of the variance. Other significant predictors included gender (15.2% influence, p < 0.01), class level (10.7%, p < 0.01), household income (17.1%, p < 0.01), and participation in environmental activities (10.2%, p < 0.05).
These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions that address demographic differences, integrate comprehensive climate and health education into school curricula, and promote experiential learning opportunities. Enhancing youth awareness and fostering proactive behaviors are crucial to equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to mitigate and adapt to the health effects of global warming.
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