Perceptions of Endocrine Clinicians Regarding Climate Change and Health

Samantha Steinmetz-Wood (), Amanda G. Kennedy, Juvena R. Hitt, Kaitlyn Barrett and Matthew P. Gilbert
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Samantha Steinmetz-Wood: Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Osteoporosis, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Amanda G. Kennedy: Department of Medicine Quality Program, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Juvena R. Hitt: Department of Medicine Quality Program, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Kaitlyn Barrett: Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Osteoporosis, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA
Matthew P. Gilbert: Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Osteoporosis, The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 2, 1-11

Abstract: The effects of climate change on the endocrine system are increasingly recognized. We aimed to evaluate endocrine clinicians’ perspectives on climate change awareness and knowledge, motivation for action, and the need for climate health curricula. We designed an online questionnaire with endocrine-specific questions about climate change, which was shared through social media and email. Study data were collected between 9/2022 and 11/2022. Analyses were primarily descriptive. There were 164 responses; 98% were physicians, with a median age of 41 years. The majority (95%) reported that climate change is happening; 52% reported that they are very worried. Knowledge about climate change and health was variable (6.7% very, 40% moderately, 35% modestly, 17.7% not at all), with variable concerns regarding patient effects. The top endocrine climate–health concerns were reduced exercise, malnutrition, and weather-related disruptions. Most respondents agreed that climate change and health topics should be integrated into medical education (72.8% strongly agree or agree). The three resources perceived as most helpful were continuing medical education, patient resources, and policy statements. Endocrine clinicians are aware of and worried about climate change, with varying levels of knowledge and concern about climate change and health effects. We also exposed an untapped interest in developing endocrine-specific climate and health curricula.

Keywords: climate change; endocrine clinicians; health impacts; survey (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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