Submission ID 118597
| Issue/Objective | The study investigated perceptions and knowledge about climate change in two rural sub-districts of Sunamganj, one of the most climate vulnerable regions of Bangladesh (which itself ranks 7th in the climate vulnerable index globally). |
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| Methodology/Approach | The study employed a mixed-methods approach in Sunamganj, Bangladesh. Quantitative data was collected via surveys from 270 reproductive women, 60 adolescent girls, and 60 male members. Qualitative data was gathered through 20 FGDs and 27 KIIs with community members and stakeholders. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. |
| Results | This baseline investigation in Sunamganj, Bangladesh, revealed varying levels of awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding climate change and its impact on health, particularly SRH. Adolescent girls exhibited the highest climate change awareness at 90%, compared to 66.67% of male members and 38.89% of reproductive women . Heat-related illnesses were widely reported across all groups (90.37% of reproductive women, 75% of adolescent girls, 90% of male members), and water shortages were also a significant concern. A significant proportion of households experienced displacement due to floods, with 78.33% of male members' households and 54.81% of reproductive women's households affected in the last decade. During floods, reliance on surface water increased notably. Good knowledge about climate change's impact on SRH was higher among male members (85%) than reproductive women (61%) . Similarly, positive attitudes towards this impact were more prevalent among male members (48%) compared to reproductive women (32%) . Alarmingly, practice levels regarding SRH during disaster times were very low, with only 1% exhibiting good practice, a stark contrast to normal times. Access to essential SRH services, including delivery care and family planning, significantly decreased during disasters.These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance knowledge, improve attitudes, and promote adaptive practices, especially among women and girls, to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change on SRH in this vulnerable region. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The study identified perceptions about climate change in the community, particularly relating to SRH and shows the need for significant interventions on disaster preparedness and overall adaptation habits for the local community. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Nabila Purno United Nations Population Fund Atikul Islam Khulna University Abu Sayed Hasan United Nations Population Fund |
