Evaluation of the knowledge and behaviors of Family Medicine residents on planetary health and environment-health relationship
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of family medicine residents regarding planetary health and the environment-health relationship, thereby contributing to the enhancement of their environmental awareness. In parallel with WONCA’s vision of sustainability and Planetary Health, it also seeks to offer recommendations for the development and integration of a curriculum into medical education.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Family Medicine Clinic of Adana City Training and Research Hospital between 01.03.2024 and 30.04.2024, involving 94 family medicine residents. Participants completed a sociodemographic form, the Ecocentric and Anthropocentric Attitudes Toward the Environment scale (EAATE), and A Three-Tier Diagnostic Test to Assess Misconceptions on Atmosphere-Related Environmental Problems (AREPDiT).
Results: Examination of the participants’ EAATE scale scores revealed a mean ecocentric attitude score of 62.76 ± 12.34, a mean anthropocentric attitude score of 41.06 ± 10.11, and a mean antipathetic attitude score of 15.45 ± 9.02. When responses to the AREPDiT questions were evaluated, the proportion of scientifically accurate answers was 30.6% for global warming, 22.4% for the greenhouse effect, 31.7% for the ozone layer, and 13.5% for acid rain.
Conclusion: The study showed that family medicine residents predominantly hold ecocentric ethical views, yet they have substantial misconceptions and knowledge gaps regarding environmental and atmospheric phenomena. Strengthening the residency training with content on both the impact of the environment on human health and human impact on the environment is essential to address these deficiencies.
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