Climate Change and Health in Guyana: Public Sector Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Implications for Health System Resilience
Cecil Boston *
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
Sharlene Goberdhan
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
Olly Perreira
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
Paulette Bynoe
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
Reeta Gobin
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
Quincy Jones
University of Guyana, College of Medical Sciences, Guyana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP)of public sector workers in Guyana regarding climate change, its health impacts and implications for building climate-resilient health systems.
Methodology: A descriptive mixed-methods case study was conducted using a structured KAP survey administered to 176 public sector workers, including healthcare professionals and a stakeholder workshop involving 33 representatives from key government agencies. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics in IBM Version 26, while qualitative data from group discussions were synthesised into a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) framework to evaluate health system readiness to climate change.
Results: Although 69.5% of respondents acknowledge that climate change affects health, only 19.3% correctly defined climate change. Participants most frequently identified direct health impacts such as air-quality, heat related and water-borne diseases, while mental health and nutritional impacts were least recognized. Attitudes were overwhelmingly positive, with high levels of concern and willingness to act; however, practical engagement was limited. Key barriers included insufficient information and uncertainty about appropriate actions. The SWOT analysis highlighted existing policy frameworks and post-COVID-19 response systems as strengths, alongside critical weaknesses such as outdated legislation, limited training, inter-agency fragmentation and workforce attrition.
Conclusion: Despite strong concern and motivation among public sector workers, substantial knowledge and practice gaps limit effective climate-health action in Guyana. Institutionalised training, intersectoral collaboration and targeted capacity building are essential to strengthen climate-resilient health systems.
Keywords: Climate change, health workers, knowledge, attitudes and practices, Guyana, climate and health, public sector workers, health systems resilience