Student knowledge and perceptions of climate change and environmental sustainability at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background. Climate change and polluting healthcare systems are significant threats to public health. Education about planetary health and environmentally sustainable healthcare is needed to equip health professionals to meet these challenges.Objectives. To assess the knowledge, perceptions and understanding of climate change and environmental sustainability among undergraduate health sciences students at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), University of Cape Town (UCT). Methods. Two student-led focus groups helped to design a cross-sectional survey of all undergraduate health sciences students. The survey findings were analysed quantitatively and thematically.Results. The 264 respondents included 211 medical and 53 health and rehabilitation students. Two-thirds of respondents (64.4%) claimed awareness but little understanding of climate change, which was understood mainly as changes in weather and climate patterns (40%) as a result of human activities (96.6%). Most (72%) were aware of the concept of environmental sustainability, but with little understanding. Students’ main sources of information about climate change were the internet (84.1%) and social media (77.3%). Two-thirds believed that climate change will highly impact their patients’ health and quality of life. Most (58.3%) thought that health professionals can help to prevent climate change by educating patients and promoting sustainable lifestyles. Nearly half (47.3%) thought it important to teach climate change and environmental sustainability in the curriculum. Conclusion. Climate change and environmental sustainability have been poorly incorporated into current FHS, UCT curricula. Students acknowledged that these concepts are important and should be taught. The FHS should integrate planetary health and environmental sustainability into its curricula, in line with global efforts.