Health Risks Associated with Climate Change Among Children: Mothers’ Awareness and Practices

Document Type : Scientific Research Periodical

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fayoum university, faculty of nursing, community health nursing department.

Abstract

Background:Climate change has been described as a fundamental threat to human health. It has a far-reaching impact and has been identified as a global threat to humanity, especially among vulnerable groups such as children. Aim of this study:study aimed to assess mother’s awareness and practices about health risks associated with climate change among children. Research Design:A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Setting:study conducted at three maternal and child health centers located in Fayoum city:Alhadka, Keman Fares and Elsad Elaly.Subjects:A convenience sample was used, it consisted of 382 mothers, and their children aged less than five years. Tool: two tools were used for data collection;Tool I: A structured interviewing questionnaire including 1st part: the Socio-demographic data of the mothers and their children. 2nd part:the child's medical history. 3rd part:mother’s awareness regarding climate changes.Tool II:The mother's self-reported practice checklist regarding climate change. Results:The study results revealed that the studied children experienced various health problems, including malnutrition and infectious diseases, associated with climate change,with 79.8% of them exposed to anemia and 41.9% to hepatitis.Additionally 46% had poor knowledge about climate change and its preventive measures,about two-thirds of them showed an inadequate level of practices regarding climate change.There was a strong positive correlation with high statistical significance between mothers knowledge and practice(r= 0.784 at p < 0.001).Conclusion:the study reported a lack of knowledge among studied mothers about climate change and its associated preventive measures. Recommendation:Offer educational programs for mothers with children under five,focusing on adapting to climate change and mitigating its potential adverse health consequences.

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