Knowledge, attitudes and practices on climate change among study participants in India

Tanuja Pattankar; Chandrika R. Doddihal; Muttappa R. Gudadinni; Rekha S. Udgiri

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261422

Authors

Tanuja Pattankar Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU) Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6434-0029
Chandrika R. Doddihal Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU) Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6242-0495
Muttappa R. Gudadinni Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU) Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6163-6913
Rekha S. Udgiri Department of Community Medicine, BLDE (DU) Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7124-3112

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261422

Keywords:

Climate change, Community perceptions, Environmental awareness, KAP, Mitigation

Abstract

Background: Climate change is a global challenge with significant implications for ecosystems and health. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of communities is essential for designing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. In India, where vulnerability to climate change is high, assessing public perception and response is particularly important.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 participants from both rural and urban areas. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to climate change. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages.

Results: The study included 159 participants, predominantly aged 15-24 years (96.9%) and female (59.7%), with most residing in urban areas (81.1%). Over half (58.5%) had good knowledge of climate change, but only 36.1% demonstrated moderate practices. Major perceived causes included deforestation (87.4%) and vehicle emissions (83.6%). Most participants viewed climate change as a shared responsibility (69.2%) and believed it currently poses health risks (79.9%). Commonly perceived disease risks were respiratory infections (83.6%), allergies (81.8%), and skin cancers (81.1%). Overall, awareness was high, but practical engagement in climate change mitigation remained limited.

Conclusions: The study highlighted a high level of awareness and concern regarding climate change among participants, alongside positive attitudes toward mitigation. However, discrepancies between knowledge, attitudes, and practices were evident. Strengthening climate change education, promoting community-based initiatives, and enhancing institutional support are crucial to translating awareness into sustainable collective action.

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