Climate awareness, anxiety, and actions among youth: a qualitative study in a middle-income country

Objectives: The impact of climate change on mental health is well established, but few studies have examined the perspectives of young people, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In this qualitative study, we explored how Brazilian children and adolescents experience climate change. This approach can help inform environmental education, communication, and self-care strategies for this age group. Methods: We conducted focus groups with 50 children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years in three locations in Brazil. We analyzed the data using an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework. Results: We identified three profiles of involvement with climate change: unaware, disengaged, and engaged. Profiles were largely related to different socioeconomic contexts. We analyzed each profile across the dimensions of space, time, emotions, and actions. Adults were portrayed by participants as stubborn deniers, as neutral influences, or as role models of knowledge and engagement. Due to their age and developmental level, young children had distinctive perceptions of climate change. Conclusion: Spatial and temporal perceptions of climate change are a key element for experiencing and engaging with environmental concerns and vary according to age and socioeconomic differences. Effective communication to foster climate action at individual and collective levels requires narratives that reach different ages. Replication of these findings in other LMICs is warranted.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.