Impact of Climate Change Education on Nursing Students' Awareness

This study investigated the impact of peer-supported climate change education on the awareness levels of nursing students. While climate change poses a major threat to human health, nurses play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring adaptation within the healthcare sector. Raising awareness among nurses on this issue is possible through acquiring knowledge about eco-friendly practices and sustainable care strategies during their professional education. The study was conducted with students studying in the Department of Nursing at Istanbul Atlas University and lasted for 12 months. Utilizing the peer education method, students were provided with training on climate change, and the difference this education made in students' awareness levels was measured using a pre-test and post-test method. PDF The objective of the study was to evaluate the baseline awareness levels of nursing students regarding climate change and to examine how peer-supported education influenced these awareness level. Through peer education, it was aimed to encourage students to learn from one another, take a more active role in this regard, and promote climate-friendly healthcare delivery. Data were collected through face-to-face questionnaire forms and analyzed using SPSS software. The Climate Change Awareness Scale used in the study determined the changes in students' awareness levels before and after the training. The results are expected to contribute to integrating climate change and sustainability topics into the nursing education curriculum. This study aimed to enhance the capacity of future nurses to provide environmentally sensitive healthcare services.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being over 18 years of age * Volunteering to participate in the study and providing informed consent * Being currently enrolled as a student in the Department of Nursing at the institution where the research is conducted Exclusion Criteria: * Failing to complete the study questionnaires or providing incomplete data forms * Having a communication barrier (verbal or auditory impairment) * Failing to attend or participate in the education process/sessions * Lacking proficiency in reading and writing in Turkish