Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives from general population in Mysuru

Lekhashree A, JSS Medical CollegeFollow
MANIRSHA P V, JSS Academy of Higher Education and ResearchFollow
Paranthaman ChinnasamyFollow
Srishti AryaFollow
Sunil Kumar D, JSS MEDICAL COLLEGE, JSS ACADEMY OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, MYSURUFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-1781-5343

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5858-6230

Corresponding Author

Manirsha P V,

Post graduate student, Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, JSS AHER, Mysuru, Karnataka.

manirsha1994@gmail.com

Abstract

Background: Climate change has emerged as a major public health concern, contributing to rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. In India, increasing heat waves, unpredictable rainfall, and deteriorating air quality have intensified climate-sensitive health conditions. This study aims to assess the health impacts of climate change among the general population of Mysuru.

Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 residents of Mysuru (April–June 2024). Participants were recruited through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using SPSS v26, with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Among 400 participants, 52.5% were male and 47.3% female; 85.8% resided in urban areas. A majority (66.3%) reported experiencing health issues due to climate change. Respiratory illnesses (71.3%), heat-related illnesses (58.5%), vector-borne diseases (57.8%), and water-borne diseases (60.5%) were commonly reported. More than half (52.5%) experienced mental health effects, including climate anxiety (25%) frequently. Additionally, 71% observed deteriorating air quality, and 20.8% reported frequent extreme weather events. Age, gender, and occupation were significantly associated with health issues attributed to climate change (p<0.05)

Conclusion: Climate change significantly impacts health in Mysuru, with respiratory, vector-borne, water-borne, and heat-related illnesses being major concerns. Mental health impacts and climate anxiety are also notable. Strengthening adaptation strategies, urban planning, and public health preparedness are essential to mitigate these health risks.

Key words: Climate change, Public health impacts, Respiratory illness, Vector-borne diseases, Heat-related illness, Water-borne diseases, Mental health, Climate anxiety

Publication Date

2025

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

nil

Keywords

Climate change, Public health impacts, Respiratory illness, Vector-borne diseases, Heat-related illness, Water-borne diseases, Mental health, Climate anxiety

Recommended Citation

A L, P V M, Chinnasamy P, Arya S, D S. Changing Climate, Changing Health: Perspectives from general population in Mysuru. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 7(4): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1278