Knowledge, attitude and practices of co-benefits to improve health and climate change in Chinese population

Whilst mounting scientific evidence of linkages between climate change and health have been found in recent years, our literature review indicates limited research has been done to understand the public perception, attitude and related health practices which may also mitigate the impact of climate change. This study intends to be part of a multi-site study in China that investigates the impact of climate change on health and behavior.

Design and Subjects: A population-based, cross-sectional, random telephone survey using last birthday method, was conducted in Aug 2008. A study questionnaire, based on the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for health sectors towards Climate Change and Health, was developed to understand the knowledge, attitude and  behavior of Climate Change and Health in China. The study population comprised of land-based non-institutional population of all ages, including foreign/local domestic helpers residing in Hong Kong.  A pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the modified instrument.

Results: Descriptive statistics, stratified by age, gender and education level were reported. Multivariate analysis identified demographic and socioeconomic predictors for knowledge gaps in appreciating the cobenefits between health practices and climate change reducing strategies. Logistic regression examined the association between perception accuracy and socioeconomic factors.

Main outcome: Knowledge gaps between health and climate change cobenefit practices were found and demographics and socio-economic predictors for misconception  were identified. These findings serve to support the development of an evidence based public health education strategy to promote the co-benefits of practicing healthy habits and mitigate the effects of climate change.