Knowledge, Perception, and Behaviour Concerning Impact of Climate Variability on Health: A Cross-sectional Study in the Tribal-dominated Kalahandi District of Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Kalahandi district of Odisha is a well-known place on the world map for its poverty, starvation, diseases, and deaths. The population of the district is dominated by the tribals and marginalised schedule caste population. Combing all these factors, this district has become one of the most sensitive and vulnerable districts of the country concerning climatic variability and human health. Objective: The objectives of this study were to explore the knowledge and perception of people from 13 blocks of Kalahandi towards climate change/ variability and its relationship with human health, its footprints, and coping strategies available to them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a questionnaire was carried out among the respondents from 13 blocks. A total of 208 respondents were selected through a simple random sampling method through convenience sampling. Result: The majority of the respondents (86%) were not aware of the terms like climate change/ variability and belonged to the vulnerable class (44% ST and 20% SC) of the society. Most of them agreed to the fact that there are changes in all three (summer, monsoon, and winter) seasons of a year. The most significant finding of the survey is the increase in the “diseases of affluence” in a tribal-dominated district. An increase in hypertension, diabetes, joint pain, and skin diseases in the last 10 to 15 years was mentioned by 41%, 32%, 28%, and 24% of participants respectively. Conclusion: The study will be very helpful in comprehending the ground realities of their understanding of climate variations and the impact on health, and further aid in better policy formations.