Knowledge on climate change, disease seasonality, and response to the impacts of climate change of people in an urban district, Ho Chi Minh City in 2019

Abstract

Climate change is a matter of global concern. Statistics of experts have shown that Vietnam is one of the 10 countries most
seriously affected by climate change. Our study conducted in District 6, Ho Chi Minh City in 2019 with cross-sectional study design, single random sampling method, and data collection conducted by direct interviews with 400 people in the household based on the prepared questionnaire. The objective of this study was to describe knowledge about climate change, common seasonal diseases, and the ability to respond to the impacts of climate change of people in a district in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019. Research results showed that 77% of people have heard about climate change, but only 57.2% have the right knowledge about this issue. People responded to the effects of the hot season mainly by drinking plenty of water (62.3%) and wearing sun protection clothing (54.3%). Taking a warm bath was the highest response of people in the cold/rainy season
(40%). Nearly 50% of people did not know how to adapt to floods and high tides. Factors related to climate change knowledge were age, education level, and occupation. It is necessary to provide information to enhance people’s knowledge and ability to adapt to climate change impacts, especially in the elderly and people with low education levels.