What the study found
Most surveyed pharmacy students were aware of climate change and its consequences, and many saw it as a serious threat to public health. However, a smaller share reported taking steps to mitigate its impacts.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors suggest that climate change education in pharmacy training could help close the gap between awareness and action. They conclude that preparing pharmacy professionals to address environmental challenges and use sustainable healthcare practices may support climate resilience, public health, and sustainability initiatives.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional online survey of fourth- and fifth-year undergraduate pharmacy students at public and private universities in Karachi, Pakistan. They used a content-reviewed questionnaire to collect demographic information and to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to climate change and health.
What worked and what didn't
Among 1,233 respondents, 98.2% were aware of the consequences of climate change, and most perceived it as a serious public health threat. About 95% agreed that action must be taken to prevent climate change, but only 43.1% reported taking steps to mitigate its impacts. Gender, university affiliation, and sources of information significantly influenced students' opinions and understanding.
What to keep in mind
The available summary does not describe detailed study limitations. The findings come from an online survey of pharmacy students in Karachi, so the scope is limited to that group.
Key points
- 98.2% of respondents were aware of the consequences of climate change.
- Most students viewed climate change as a serious threat to public health.
- Only 43.1% reported taking steps to mitigate climate impacts.
- About 95% agreed that action must be taken to prevent climate change.
- Gender, university affiliation, and information sources influenced students' views and understanding.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Most pharmacy students knew about climate change, but fewer acted
- Authors:
- Tahmina Maqbool, Sadia Shakeel, Humera Ishaq, Majid Ali, Hina Rehman, Hira Naeem, Safila Naveed, Halima Sadia, Nazish Mumtaz, Saira Azhar, Anum Sattar, Suresh Shanmugham, Shazia Qasim Jamshed
- Institutions:
- Hamdard University, Dow University of Health Sciences, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Habib University, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Baqai Medical University, University of Karachi, Jinnah University for Women, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Iqra University, Ziauddin University, IMU University, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-02
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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