Climate change: Attitudes and concerns of, and learnings from, people with neurological conditions, carers, and health care professionals
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Published:2023-12-08
Issue:1
Volume:65
Page:95-106
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ISSN:0013-9580
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Container-title:Epilepsia
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Epilepsia
Author:
Blenkinsop Stephen1ORCID,
Wardrope Alistair23ORCID,
Willis Joseph4ORCID,
Sisodiya Sanjay M.45ORCID
Affiliation:
1. School of Engineering Newcastle University Newcastle Upon Tyne UK
2. Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience University of Sheffield Sheffield UK
3. Department of Neurology Sheffield Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust Sheffield UK
4. Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology London UK
5. Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy Bucks UK
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveConcern about climate change among the general public is acknowledged by surveys. The health care sector must play its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate, which will require the support of its stakeholders including those with epilepsy, who may be especially vulnerable. It is important to understand this community's attitudes and concerns about climate change and societal responses.MethodsA survey was made available to more than 100 000 people among a section of the neurological community (patients, carers, and clinicians), focused on epilepsy. We applied quantitative analysis of Likert scale responses supported by qualitative analyses of free‐text questions with crossover analyses to identify consonance and dissonance between the two approaches.ResultsA small proportion of potential respondents completed the survey; of 126 respondents, 52 had epilepsy and 56 explicitly declared no illness. The survey indicated concern about the impact of climate change on health within this neurological community focused on epilepsy. More than half of respondents considered climate change to have been bad for their health, rising to 68% in a subgroup with a neurological condition; over 80% expected climate change to harm their health in future. Most (>75%) believed that action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will lead to improved health and well‐being. The crossover analysis identified cost and accessibility as significant barriers.SignificanceThe high level of concern about climate change impacts and positive attitudes toward policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions provide support for climate action from the epilepsy community. However, if policies are implemented without considering the needs of patients, they risk being exclusionary, worsening inequalities, and further threatening neurological health and well‐being.
Funder
Epilepsy Society
Natural Environment Research Council
Subject
Neurology (clinical),Neurology
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