Search Results (108)

The environmental detriments of the growing global production and overconsumption of beef, including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, are well-documented. However, public awareness of how dietary choices affect the environment remains limited. This study examines sustainability views on beef consumption and the potential for behavioral change as a step toward more sustainable intake levels. An observational web-based survey was conducted (n = 1367) to assess respondents’ current beef intake frequency, views on beef consumption related to planetary health, tropical deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change, and willingness to modify beef consumption behavior. Chi-square tests were used for group comparisons, and weighted average scores were applied to rank levels of resistance to reducing beef intake. Environmental concern related to beef consumption was associated with greater beef cutback intentions and lower long-term intake reduction resistance amongst beef eaters. Beef eaters who strongly agreed that global beef consumption negatively impacts the environment were considerably more likely to express intentions to reduce their long-term beef intake compared to those who strongly disagreed (94.4% vs. 19.6%). Overall, 76.6% of beef eaters indicated wanting to eat less beef or phase it out entirely (30.7% reduce, 29.4% minimize, 16.6% stop), with only 23.4% of them intending to keep their consumption unchanged. Compelling messages that help translate awareness into action, such as the #NoBeefWeek concept explored in this study, may support individuals in adopting more sustainable food choices. These cross-national findings provide evidence for a ‘knowledge–intent’ gap in sustainable diet research, with relevance for health communicators and policymakers. Future research could examine the factors and motivations influencing decisions to modify beef consumption, including the barriers to achieving sustainable consumption levels and the role of suitable alternatives in facilitating this transition. Full article

In recent studies, public health has been considered a key stakeholder in climate mitigation and adaptation in cities since they are more exposed to the impact of climate change. Nurses represent a vast majority of public health professionals, playing a key role in health promotion that allows them to influence individuals, families, and communities in adopting healthier behaviours and decarbonized lifestyles. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to map the existing evidence on nursing interventions, which are being led or implemented to reduce the health risks related to climate change in urban areas. The present review follows the JBI methodological framework, including a search on PubMed, MEDLINE complete, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), BASE (Bielefeld Academic Search Engine), and RCAAP. Hand searched references were also considered, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies between January 2014 and October 2024, for a more contemporary perspective. A three-step search strategy and data extraction tool were used by two independent reviewers. Twenty-seven studies in English and Portuguese were eligible for inclusion, all targeting a population of professionals with nursing-related roles: two case studies, one Delphi panel, one descriptive study, one historical research paper, two using a methodological design format, four narrative reviews, one observational study, nine review articles, three scoping reviews, and three systematic reviews. Eight categories of nursing interventions that contribute to decarbonized lifestyles, reducing health risks in relation to climate change, were acknowledged. Nurses play a key role in empowering individuals, families, and communities, promoting climate awareness and literacy, supporting health policy change, advocating for the most vulnerable and engaging in environmental activism, using evidence-based research, and taking advantage of marketing strategies and social media. Full article

Background: The number of people with heart failure (HF) is rapidly increasing globally. Self-care plays a key role in improving HF outcomes. The readiness to engage in heart failure self-care (HFSC) behaviors encompasses a commitment to change and the capacity to make the change. Commitment is a personal investment and value toward enacting self-care and health-related behaviors. Capacity includes an individual’s skills, knowledge, beliefs, previous experience, and resources. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patient-identified commitment and capacity factors influencing their readiness to carry out HFSC behaviors. Methods: A qualitative study using thematic analysis was conducted using data from 21 interviews to develop readiness for HFSC themes. Results: The commitment themes identified were cultural values and beliefs, social roles, will to live, attitude, self-efficacy, HF perceptions, and general emotional state. Capacity themes included HF literacy, functional capacity, environmental resources, comorbidities, time, cognitive functioning, and social support. Conclusions: Novel themes related to an individual’s commitment to HFSC activities included their will to live and social roles, while time emerged as a consideration in the capacity to engage in self-care. To optimize HF outcomes, people with HF must be ready to engage in HFSC. Evaluating an individual’s readiness for HFSC can focus healthcare team efforts on targeting specific self-care activities that require intervention. Enhancing readiness by intervening with specific commitment and capacity factors is a step toward optimizing HFSC and improving patient outcomes. Full article

Background—Against childhood lead poisoning, removing lead exposure is the main measure, but how to do it effectively has not been fully established. Our objective was to determine the impact of several interventions (education, housing remediation, and relocation) on children’s blood lead levels. Methods—A historical cohort of childhood lead poisoning was drawn in Marseille, France, from 2011 to 2018. A generalized mixed model was developed to study the kinetics of blood lead levels. Results—We included 151 children, with 56% living in legal substandard housing and others living in slums. Medical follow-up (median: 612 days) included 492 blood samples. In legal substandard housing, blood lead level decrease was significantly associated with every intervention. In slums, blood lead level decrease was significantly associated with housing relocation and education, although to a lesser extent. Conclusions—Every intervention contributed to reducing blood lead levels in substandard housing. Educational intervention is rapidly implemented. Housing remediation follows a long-lasting but effective legal procedure. Some families get housing relocation, depending on their financial resources or whether they are eligible for social housing. In slums, access to legal housing is the most effective against environmental exposure and education has a wider impact on health literacy. Full article

In regions with sustained air pollution, the adoption of protective health behaviors is critical, particularly among pregnant women—a population marked by physiological vulnerability and heightened receptivity to preventive guidance. Understanding and supporting patient-driven behavioral change requires attention to individual perception and awareness, which are shaped by socio-economic and spatial factors, as well as access to credible information. Objectives: This study investigates how pregnant women in Serbia perceive air quality, identifies determinants that influence these perceptions, and evaluates the extent and nature of behavioral adaptations undertaken to mitigate exposure-related risks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 279 pregnant women using a structured, researcher-administered questionnaire. Collected data included demographic and psychosocial variables, air quality perceptions, self-reported health effects, and behavioral responses. Residential proximity to land-use attributes was assessed using GIS-based spatial analysis. Results: Most participants perceived air quality as poor (68.8%), primarily informed by unofficial sources such as mobile applications and social media. Living close to continuous urban fabric (OR = 0.180, 95% CI: 0.059–0.558, p = 0.003) and water (OR = 0.306, 95% CI: 0.127–0.738, p = 0.008) was associated with poorer perceptions, while proximity to forests (OR = 2.938, 95% CI: 1.323–6.525, p = 0.008) correlated with more favorable assessments. Despite prevalent concern, around half of respondents (50.2%) reported no behavioral modifications. Importantly, none had received guidance from healthcare professionals on the topic. Conclusions: These findings highlight critical gaps in environmental health literacy and provider engagement. Integrating tailored communication and behavioral support in existing prenatal counseling could advance health-related quality of life in this vulnerable population. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between climate change, urban greening, and health perceptions among university students within higher education. Grounded in environmental psychology and sustainability science, it explores how well-being is shaped by climate–health awareness, eco-anxiety, and perceived access to urban green spaces. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to climate change and sustainability. The findings indicate a high awareness of the health impacts of climate change, especially concerning mental well-being. Urban green spaces were recognized as positively influencing emotional resilience, physical activity, and environmental quality. However, despite this awareness, limited engagement in sustainability-oriented behaviors was identified, indicating an action gap. The study suggests the creation of a Climate Health Assessment Indicator to evaluate climate–health literacy and behavioral readiness among academic populations systematically. It also emphasizes integrating identity-based interventions into educational frameworks to support the transition from awareness to sustainable action. Positioned within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—this research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on integrating sustainability and human well-being in academic and urban contexts. Full article

Obesity is a major global health concern related to chronic diseases and rising healthcare costs. While previous studies focused on diet habits, environmental issues, and physical activity, financial literacy remains an overlooked factor in weight management. This study examined the relationship between financial literacy and the body mass index (BMI), using financial literacy as a proxy for rational health decision-making. A quantitative approach was employed, where linear regression analyzed the BMI as a continuous variable and a probit regression assessed overweight, normal weight, and underweight categories. A nationwide survey, the Preference Parameter Study, conducted by Osaka University, Japan, in the United States, provided the data for this study. The results indicate a significant negative association between financial literacy and the BMI, with higher financial literacy linked to a lower BMI and a greater likelihood of maintaining a normal weight. The key control variables, including impatience, gender, education, income, and smoking, also significantly affected the BMI. These findings reflect a strong correlation between financial literacy and the weight status; however, due to data limitations, causal inferences could not be made. We acknowledge the potential endogeneity and the cross-sectional nature of the data as limitations. Thus, while our results suggest a potential role for financial literacy in promoting rational health behavior, the policy implications should be interpreted with caution. Future research should explore targeted interventions across various demographic groups to maximize the impact. Full article

This interventional study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a school-based environmental education program on improving knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and behavior related to air pollution among pupils in low-middle schools in Pristina, Kosovo. Air pollution is a pressing issue in Kosovo, particularly in urban areas, making it essential to raise awareness from an early age. As one of the first initiatives of its kind in the country, this study offers valuable insights into the impact of educational interventions on students’ understanding of environmental issues. The study involved an intervention group of fifth to ninth grade students who participated in a structured environmental education program, with data collected through pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessment. We used a quantitative questionnaire with four sections—demographics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. The findings revealed a significant improvement in knowledge and perceptions about air pollution among students in the intervention group, highlighting the crucial role of education in raising environmental awareness. However, the intervention had limited impact on changing attitudes and no significant effect on pro-environmental behavior, echoing challenges found in previous studies. Parental education, particularly maternal education, was found to play a substantial role in shaping attitudes, while gender and parental education positively influenced perceptions. The study also identified a negative association between higher grade levels and both knowledge and perception scores. Despite its success in enhancing knowledge, the short intervention period and challenges in participant engagement limited the program’s ability to drive long-term behavioral change. These findings emphasize the need for more sustained and comprehensive interventions to address the complex relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and environmental behaviors. Full article

This study examines the environmental science curricula in secondary- and high-school education, as well as the prior knowledge of first-year university students regarding environmental pollution and sustainability. To this end, an inquiry-based methodology was implemented, focusing on the assessment of agricultural pollutants, with particular emphasis on the use of herbicides and pesticides. Through field studies, students developed analytical skills to evaluate crop conditions and understand the impact of agrochemicals on ecosystems. This study carried out in Spain, but may be transposable to other countries with similar characteristics. The results reveal significant variability in students’ prior knowledge, allowing for the identification of two distinct groups: those with no prior knowledge (G1) and those with a partial understanding of sustainability concepts (G2). This heterogeneity highlights the need for educational strategies that integrate scientific knowledge with environmental action, thereby strengthening ecological literacy. In this regard, this study underscores the importance of awareness programs that bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications in chemical risk management within agricultural production. Based on these findings, measures are proposed to mitigate the impact of pollutants on human health and the environment, including phytosanitary control strategies and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. In conclusion, this educational approach plays a key role in shaping citizens committed to sustainability and the transition toward responsible production and consumption models. Full article

Communities in the Dominican Republic (DR) face increased natural disasters, poor air quality, food insecurity, and health impacts related to climate change. We evaluated the success of a train-the-trainer program to empower community leaders, women, and at-risk youth with the knowledge and skills to increase individual and community resilience in Cristo Rey, Dominican Republic. Three in-person two-day courses were conducted between July and August 2024 at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Each session included eight lectures and collaborative learning activities on climate change science, adaptation, resilience, and health impacts. Intra-group analyses comparing pre- and post-course surveys assessed participants’ climate change awareness, literacy, and communication and response skills. One hundred and four attendees participated in the survey study. Of the 100 participants with demographic data, 55% (n = 55) were 35 years old or younger, 70% (n = 70) identified as female, and 45% (n = 45) lived in Cristo Rey. The participants reported high baseline climate change awareness. Compared to before the course, the participants reported increased literacy regarding the environmental impacts of climate change relevant to the DR and the specific health impacts (p-value < 0.05) and increased climate change-related communication and response skills (p-value < 0.001). This study suggests competency-based, regional-specific courses deployed in a train-the-trainer model, have the potential to equip community members with knowledge to protect their health. Full article

Environmental health literacy (EHL) is essential for individuals to protect themselves from environmental health risks. Indigenous populations are particularly vulnerable to these risks, given the historical threats they have suffered from the advance of agricultural frontiers and impacts of deforestation, mining, and extreme weather events. This study investigates the dimensions of EHL among indigenous communities in Brazil, considering the scarcity of research in this field. Using a scale adapted to measure EHL in topics such as air, water, and food, it was possible to access the EHL levels of a sample of different Brazilian indigenous ethnic groups. Statistical analysis included descriptive methods and the Wilcoxon and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The results revealed significant variations in EHL levels, influenced by factors such as gender, place of residence, age, education, access to health services, and potable water. In addition, the presence of traditional actors, such as midwives, was identified as an important factor in the transmission of health knowledge. The research highlights the need for public policies that respect the cultural specificities of indigenous communities and promote self-care and environmental preservation, contributing to the development of culturally sensitive public health strategies. Full article

Adolescents who possess environmental health literacy are more equipped to handle the effects of the environment on their health. This study uses data from Portugal’s 2022 HBSC survey to investigate the environmental health literacy (EHL) of teenagers. The Environmental Health Literacy Scale (EHLS) was verified by confirmatory component analysis. Within the framework of an ecosystem, this study investigates factors related to health and well-being. There are 7355 adolescents in the sample. EHLS_Social Norms and participation in volunteering activities were found to be significant predictors of EHL_Knowledge, which explained 25.2% of the variance in the final model. EHLS_Social Norms and EHLS_Knowledge accounted for 42.9% of the variance in EHL_Behaviors, while school grade was adversely connected with pro-environmental behavior. While actions and knowledge were major positive predictors, gender and school grades showed negative relationships, and EHL_Social Norms accounted for 46% of the variance. This study establishes a valid measure of environmental health literacy in adolescents, informing science education strategies and public health interventions. Full article

Background: From a biopsychosocial perspective, health literacy is a key factor for healthy development and the development of more comprehensive interventions directed at health literacy determinants. The present study had the main goal of studying demographic, individual, social, and contextual variables related to health literacy in adolescents. Methods: The data used in this study are part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) 2022 survey. The study included 7649 adolescents, 53.9% (n = 3961) female, with an average age of 15.05 years (SD = 2.36), in the 6th, 8th, 10th, and 12th grades, proportionally distributed across the five regions of the Portuguese mainland. Results: Health literacy was explained by factors related to physical, psychological, social, and environmental health. The factors with the higher explanatory value were the psychological variables, followed by social and lifestyle-related variables. Sociodemographic and environmental factors had a more modest explanatory value. These results point to the complexity of adolescents’ health literacy. Conclusions: These results are of the utmost importance for educators, professionals, and policymakers who can use this information to create friendly environments that promote health literacy and health-promoting activities according to a multidisciplinary, continuous, and consistent plan. Full article

Health professionals are trusted information sources and could be valuable for improving climate change health literacy. Few studies address teaching patients about health risks associated with climate change, and no studies have focused on the medical office waiting room as a teaching site for populations from heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. We gave adult patients in primary care office waiting rooms printed teaching materials about heat-related illnesses. We asked them to read these at home and then complete an online confidential survey concerning their preferences among teaching methods and their preferences for communication during health emergencies. Ninety-one surveys were received from patients residing in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Patients liked receiving information in waiting rooms. Printed brochures were favored statistically by patients, but other teaching methods that are feasible for waiting rooms also rated well, including single-page printed fliers, posters, and video screens. Digital options were far less favored. We conclude that printed teaching materials may improve decisions that impact human health. The medical office waiting room appears to be an accepted, time-efficient, and effective site to communicate knowledge on climate change and health. Additionally, medical offices could play a role supporting government agencies to communicate with patients during weather-related health emergencies. Full article

Research in environmental education points out the need for an improvement in pre-service teacher education training in this area. This proposal follows PBL methodology and focuses on the development of an environmental education project whose final product is the organization of a science fair for elementary school students. The 5-week project addresses the topic of urban biodiversity decline and uses the butterfly garden as an initiative to mitigate it. Four months after the program ended, a survey was administered to the 86 participating pre-service teachers. A mixed-methods approach was used, collecting quantitative data on perceptions of urban biodiversity decline, the One Health concept, and environmental education, along with qualitative keyword responses to open-ended questions about the butterfly garden’s impact and the project’s value for self-learning and professional development. Participants reported positive perceptions regarding butterfly gardens after participating in our environmental program, recognizing them as both a valuable educational resource and an effective initiative to mitigate urban biodiversity decline. Respondents showed a strong pro-environmental attitude, taking seriously their role in transmitting environmental values. Using a butterfly garden for teaching purposes offers insight into environmental literacy, connection with nature, and improvements in well-being and is a powerful platform for deep and meaningful pedagogical learning. Full article