Pharmacists' perception of climate change and its impact on health

Abstract

Objectives: This study's primary objective was to assess pharmacists' knowledge and beliefs regarding climate change and health. Secondary objectives included assessing perceptions of its relevance to pharmacists and pharmacy practice as well as potential roles in mitigating climate change.

Methods: An 18-question, anonymous survey was developed using questions adapted from previously published surveys that evaluated the general public's views of international issues and health professionals' perceptions of climate change and health, with additions specific to the Midwestern United States and Ohio. It was sent electronically to a random sample of 500 registered pharmacists living and working in Ohio. Data were analyzed using descriptive and nonparametric statistics.

Results: Seventy pharmacists participated in the study. The majority of respondents (78.3%) believed climate change is happening. More respondents recognized climate change to be a great or moderate threat to human health worldwide (72.7%) than to patients in their community (45.4%; P < .001). A little more than half (54.5%) thought climate change was relevant to pharmacy practice. Perceived barriers that reduced willingness to communicate with the public about this topic included lack of time (73.4%) or knowledge (49.2%) and feeling that it would not make a difference (46.1%) or it is too controversial (35.4%). Respondents believed pharmacists could have the greatest impact through increasing sustainability in the health care system (48.5%).

Conclusion: Most respondents recognized that climate change is happening, is a threat to human health worldwide, and is relevant to pharmacy. However, many did not recognize its potential impact on their own patients or their role in climate action, showing a need for more education on this topic. As these are the first data collected among pharmacists in the United States, additional studies should be performed in other parts of the country as opinions may vary based on personal experience with or exposure to impacts of climate change.