Planetary health challenges such as climate change and vector-borne diseases threaten human health and well-being. Health care professionals such as registered nurses play an integral role in supporting populations affected by planetary health challenges. The purpose of the cross-sectional study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of registered nurses in Canada related to climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases. A national self-administered digital survey was distributed to practicing registered nurses in Canada. Of the 382 survey respondents, 35 respondents self-declared as Indigenous. Research findings suggest that nurses’ knowledge on climate change and vector-borne diseases was limited, especially among frontline nurses and those in Western and Northern regions of Canada. Indigenous participants also reported greater knowledge, confidence, and preparedness regarding climate change and vector-borne diseases than nurses who did not report Indigeneity. This may be linked to intergenerational knowledge transfer, which supports the ability to observe and adapt to environmental changes, including shifting patterns of disease. The study validates that while climate-related issues are important for nurses, nurses must be better prepared to address vector-borne diseases in practice and assume a greater role in leading change. Indigenous nurses are uniquely positioned to lead the decolonization of the nursing profession by integrating Indigenous knowledge to prepare nurses for planetary health challenges and to advocate for a climate resilient future.
Learning Objectives:
Explain the interconnections between climate change, vector-borne diseases, and planetary health, and their relevance to nursing practice in the Canadian context.
Analyze the findings of the national study on nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases, including differences among regions and Indigenous participants.
Identify strategies for strengthening nursing education, leadership, and advocacy to enhance preparedness and response to planetary health challenges, particularly those related to climate-sensitive diseases.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17198, for 1 contact hour.
