Nurses’ Perceptions and Behaviors Regarding Climate Change and Health: A Correlational Study Aligned With Saudi Vision 2030

Abstract

Climate change is an escalating threat to population health, placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems. Nurses play a pivotal role in delivering climate-resilient healthcare; however, evidence regarding their perceptions and climate-related health behaviors in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study examined the relationship between nurses' perceptions of climate change and their climate-related health behaviors in support of the population health objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 307 nurses in Saudi Arabia using the validated Perceptions and Behaviors regarding Climate Change and Health (PBCH) questionnaire, which assessed awareness, concern, and climate-related behaviors in both domestic and clinical settings. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, Pearson correlation, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression, and quantile regression to examine predictors across different levels of behavioral engagement. The findings revealed moderate PBCH scores (mean percentage approximately 68%-69%) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α up to 0.96). Awareness and concern demonstrated strong positive correlations with PBCH scores and consistently predicted climate-related health behaviors across OLS and all quantiles (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75), whereas demographic characteristics showed minimal predictive value. These findings suggest that strengthening nurses' awareness of and concern about the health impacts of climate change may significantly enhance sustainable nursing practices, improve population health protection, and support the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030.