Sustainability in Allied Health Education and Practice: An Exploratory Survey of Student Perspectives, Knowledge, and Attitudes

Carlos Carvalhais (), Inês Ribeiro, Ana Xavier and Miguel Saúde
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Carlos Carvalhais: ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, no. 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Inês Ribeiro: ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, no. 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Ana Xavier: ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, no. 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
Miguel Saúde: ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, R. Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, no. 400, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-14

Abstract: The growing urgency of the climate crisis has heightened the importance of integrating sustainability into health education. Allied health professionals are well positioned to lead sustainable healthcare efforts, yet evidence suggests a persistent gap between student awareness and formal training. This study explored the perspectives, knowledge, and attitudes of Portuguese allied health students regarding sustainability. An online and anonymous cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate and graduate students across multiple allied health disciplines. The questionnaire assessed general knowledge, perceptions of curricular integration, and attitudes toward sustainable clinical practice. A total of 247 (response rate of 8.23%) students participated, with the majority expressing high concern about climate change and strong support for environmentally responsible healthcare. However, the results revealed inconsistent awareness of healthcare’s environmental footprint and a limited exposure to structured sustainability education. Friedman tests indicated significant variability in students’ knowledge, perceived responsibility, and curricular experiences. Students identified priority themes for curricular inclusion—such as the environmental impact of the health system—and recognized their alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The findings highlight the need for the systematic, competency-based integration of sustainability into allied health curricula to support a climate-resilient and ecologically responsible future healthcare workforce.

Keywords: sustainability in education; allied health education; climate change; environmental sustainability; health curricula; student attitudes; sustainable development goals (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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