Health Risks Related to Climate Changes among Older Adults

Mohammed Abdullah, Khadiga; Mohammad Esmat, Omaima; Thabet Hasaneen, Sharbat; Khalil Ibrahim, Wafaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.254437

Health Risks Related to Climate Changes among Older Adults

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ B.Sc., Faculty of Nursing - Ain Shams University

² Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of nursing- Ain Shams University

³ Assist Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of nursing-El- Fayoum University

⁴ Assist Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Ain Shams University

10.21608/ejhc.2022.254437

Abstract

Background Climate changes are changes in the statistical properties of the climate system
that persists for several decades or longer usually at least 30 years. Climate changes not only affect
ecosystems but also, these changes have an impact on health, especially in vulnerable populations
such as older adults. Aim of this study: to assess health risks related to climate changes among
older adults. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Setting: The study was
conducted at 4 geriatric homes and 4 clubs in the Fayoum governorate and Cairo governorate.
Sample: A convenience sample was used, they were 185 older adults 60 years old and over of both
sex. Tool: The tool consists of 4 parts: 1st part, socio-demographic characteristics of older adults. 2nd
part is the health status of older adults related to climate changes. 3rd part, older adults’ knowledge
regarding climate changes. 4th part, older adults' reported practice regarding their adaption towards
climate changes. Results: The study results showed that 56.8% of the total health status of older
adults related to climate changes was good and 43.2% were poor, total knowledge of older adults
regarding climate changes were 16.8% had good knowledge, 40.0% had moderate knowledge and
43.2% had poor knowledge. The total practice was 44.3% of older adults had inadequate practice
and 55.7% had adequate practice. Conclusion: there was a highly statistical significant relation
between socio-demographic characteristics and total knowledge about climate changes among older
adults. There was a highly significant statistical correlation between knowledge and reported
practice among older adults and there was a non-significant statistical correlation between Health
status and practice among older adults. Recommendation: Provide an educational program for
older adults especially with chronic diseases how to deal with climate changes.

Keywords