Community Perception of Climate Change and Extreme Heat Influences on Health: Study of Kolkata Metropolitan Region

This study aimed to understand community perception about climate change and extreme heat influences on health. It was conducted in the Kolkata Metropolitan Region through a comprehensive interview of 56 participants by using purposive sampling methods. The information was obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The data was analyzed using the narrative analysis method based on the transcribed notes. The collected information was made into a summary and then categorized with the chronology. Information was presented in the subsections of urban expansion influence on the regional climate, contributory factors of climate change, and climate change or extreme heat influences on health. Summaries of results are restoried into the narrative chronology. Study findings show that older adults and marginalized and low-income communities are more vulnerable to climate change-related health problems. Respondents also reported that climate change takes catastrophic forms resulting in increased hospital admissions due to heat-related illness in the summer season. Major health problems consist of illness, eye irritation, heat stroke, red, and warm skin, dizziness, headache, and muscle pain. The central and state governments have developed a framework of health action plan keeping in mind the climate change-related health issues. Public health professionals and policymakers must be aware of the magnitude of specific health concerns of citizens and the need for urge...
Source: Global Social Welfare - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research