O-18 Climate change, health impacts and adaptation: perspectives of Guyanese healthcare and agricultural professionals (2025)

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was utilized in the conduct of this research. An Explanatory Sequential MixedMethods design was implemented. The data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through digitally structured questionnaires from two data sources (healthcare and agriculture professionals). Secondary qualitative data were collected, interpreted and analyzed from existing literature and open ended-responses to substantiate and explain the findings that emanated from the quantitative phase through data triangulation.

Results: A total of 120 participants formed the sample of the study. Participants (99%) indicated that there is a link between climate change and health. Direct impacts of climate change on health results in dehydration (80%), heat exhaustion (70%) and heat stroke (65%). Indirect impacts of climate change on health, results in dengue (60%), mental health and stress-related disorders (55%) and malaria (35%). The categories of people most at risk of having health related issues as a result of the impact of climate change are people with pre-existing medical conditions (40%), older adults (35%) and children (25%). Derived themes include: Increased Health Risks, Eco-system Imbalance, Reduced Immunity, Co-morbidities, Chronic Illnesses and LargeScale Impacts. Existing adaptation measures in Guyana include: national climate change policies and frameworks - Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, strengthening coastal and flood management systems, climate-resilient agriculture initiatives, health system preparedness and surveillance Guyana, renewable energy and low-carbon development, community-based adaptation and disaster risk reduction and international partnerships and funding.

Conclusion: Climate change in Guyana poses severe risks to Health and Agriculture. Addressing these challenges requires a consistent, multi-sectoral approach that integrates healthcare and agriculture strategies, supported by adaptation measures to strengthen resilience and safeguard sustainable development within the country.