Knowledge and attitude of doctors in a Nigerian tertiary hospital to the health effects of climate change: Policy implications

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, physicians are expected to understand the threats posed by climatic change and advocate for strong mitigation and adaptation strategic. This study was therefore designed to assess the knowledge and attitude of doctors at the University College Hospital Ibadan to the health effects of climate change as well as the policy implications of the findings. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 423 physicians who were grouped by cadre into house officers (82), medical officers (28), resident doctors (275) and consultants (38). A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents from the different physician cadre in the hospital. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information. Knowledge and attitude were assessed using 44-point and 40-point scales respectively. Knowledge score 6 years. Almost all (97.0%) were aware of climate change and the commonest source of information was television (81.1%). More than half of respondents (55.8%) had good knowledge of climate change; similarly, about half (53.7%) had good attitude towards climate change. Respondents' characteristics that were significantly associated with good knowledge and attitude included age.