IMPLICATIONS OF HEALTH WORKERS' PRACTICES ON CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE: A CASE STUDY IN KADUNA METROPOLIS

Abstract

Climate change is a significant threat to human health, and in response, the Nigerian government developed the
National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) as a resilience measure. It is therefore crucial for healthcare workers to
practice the NCCP to effectively apply the mitigation and adaptation strategies in the health sector, thereby
protecting the public from the adverse effects of climate change on health. This study assessed the implications
of health workers' practices on climate change resilience in Kaduna metropolis. Two research questions guided
the study. Utilizing the Leslie Kish formula, a sample size of 160 was initially determined, which was increased
to 179 for improved precision. A standardized questionnaire was administered to 185 health workers in
government-owned secondary care facilities in Kaduna metropolis. The majority demonstrated poor practice in
relation to NCCP, in the context of climate change resilience. Additionally, a statistically significant relationship
(p = 0.040) was observed between practice of the NCCP and the age of respondents. The study concluded
stressing a clear need to develop an action guide for health workers to delineate their roles in implementing the
NCCP in Nigeria effectively. This would enhance their performance in taking climate change resilience
measures, and in addressing climate change-related health challenges.