Knowledge And Perception of Climate Change Impacts on Health Among Staff of Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services in Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: To assess knowledge and perceptions of climate change impacts on health among clinical and non-clinical staff of the Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS) in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 staff members of Sindh Integrated Emergency and Health Services (SIEHS) using a structured Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices questionnaire adapted from the United Nations Development Programme climate awareness survey. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and Spearman correlation were applied. Results: Participants demonstrated moderate overall knowledge and perceptions of climate change and its health impacts. Statistically significant differences in knowledge and perception scores were observed across age groups, departments, education levels, and years of experience (p < 0.05). Emergency Medical Department staff and participants with higher education levels showed significantly higher scores. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was identified between knowledge and perception scores (r = 0.195, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Although SIEHS staff demonstrate moderate awareness of climate-related health risks, gaps remain in perceived preparedness and institutional readiness. Targeted climate-health training and structured preparedness programmes may help strengthen workforce response capacity in climate-vulnerable urban settings.