The perspectives of nurses, as prominent advocates in sustainability, on the global climate crises and its impact on mental health

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the perspective of nurses in Turkey towards the global climate crisis and its impact on mental health using a qualitative approach.Materials and MethodThis study was conducted from August to September 2023 with 35 nurses living in seven regions of Turkey using an inductive qualitative approach. The researchers employed the snowball sampling method to select participants. Interviews with the participants were conducted until data saturation was reached. Thematic analysis was used to emerge themes.ResultsThe findings revealed five main themes (perception of the global climate crisis, effects of the global climate crisis, effects of the global climate crisis on mental health, reflections of the global climate crisis on nursing and nurses' views on prevention and intervention studies for the global climate crisis). Also, the findings revealed 12 sub‐themes (physical outcomes, mental outcomes, direct and indirect impacts, psychosocial effects and personal, national and international‐based reflections).ConclusionOur study indicates that nurses exhibit genuine concern for the global climate crisis and experience psychological effects related to this pressing environmental issue. Nurses are keenly aware of their responsibility to safeguard the planet and demonstrate a strong sense of concern for the state of the world.ImpactIt is evident that nurses, being prominent advocates for sustainability, are cognizant of their responsibility to protect the planet and demonstrate genuine apprehension for the state of the world.ImplicationsNurses play a crucial role, as they make up 60% of the global healthcare workforce and are often the frontline healthcare professionals during natural disasters. It is vital to elucidate and clarify the terminology concerning the relationship between the climate crisis and the mental health of nurses, to determine the scope of this relationship and to make recommendations for future research areas.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or Public Contribution.