General knowledge and perception of climate change in undergraduate medical students
- Hospice & Palliative Medicine International Journal
-
Ramírez Gaytan Laura Aimee,Yanowsky Reyes Guillermo, Perez Rulfo Ibarra Daniel, Santana Ortiz Rafael, Navarro Quintero Sandra Edith, Guevara Tejeda Isela Monserrat, Zúñiga Ruiz Verónica Paulette
Abstract
Objective: Climate change impacts public health, however, for its level of implication it is
a topic little discussed within the training of health personnel, so the purpose of this study
was to assess the awareness and perception of medical students on climate change and its
impact.
Method: A qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive research method was used and a
survey was designed to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The sample was defined
under the non-probabilistic strategy by convenience with a total of 112 students of the
Bachelor’s Degree in Surgeon and Midwife, from the first to the eighth semester in
universities corresponding to the metropolitan area of Guadalajara.
Analysis: Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and public health
frameworks.
Results: One hundred and ten students from the sample completed the survey. A bias was
identified in the general knowledge of what climate change implies and misinformation
regarding the extent of its effects on the health and daily life of individuals, at the same time
a predominant feeling of concern was identified in relation to its consequences.
Conclusion: There is a deficiency of information on climate change among undergraduate
medical students. Climate change is a global reality. The world needs to work collectively
on this issue and education is the first critical step that requires the attention of health
professionals.
Keywords
climate change, greenhouse effect, students, carbon footprint, public health
