The relationship between nursing students' environmental literacy and awareness of Global Climate Change

Objectives: This study aims to examine the correlation between environmental literacy and levels of awareness of global climate change in nursing students. Design: The cross-sectional and correlational design. Sample: 476 undergraduate nursing students Methods: Data were collected with The Personal Information Form, the Awareness Scale ofUniversity Students about GlobalClimateChange, and Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults in March 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression analysis (stepwisemethod) were used to analyze the data. Results: Themean scores of the Environmental Literacy Scale and theAwareness Scale of University Students about Global Climate Change Scale were 87.31 +/- 8.61 and 75.60 +/- 14.86, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the awareness of global climate change and environmental literacy (p < 0.05). As participation in meetings on environmental problems, environmental concerns and awareness increased, awareness of global climate change increased. Conclusions: Nursing students had high levels of awareness of global climate change and environmental literacy. The awareness of nursing students on climate change and their environmental literacy levels are highly important in protecting public health against the adverse effects of climate change and reducing climate change through effective resource management in health services in the future. It is recommended that integrate courses related to environment health to curriculum of nursing school and in-service training during healthcare. The study draws attention to the Sustainable Development Goals related to climate change.

Automated summary

The study examines the correlation between environmental literacy and awareness of global climate change in nursing students. The findings show a positive correlation between global climate change awareness and environmental literacy. The study emphasizes the importance of nursing students' awareness of climate change and their environmental literacy in protecting public health and reducing climate change through effective resource management. It recommends integrating courses on environmental health into the nursing school curriculum and providing in-service training. The study also highlights the Sustainable Development Goals related to climate change.