The Relationship between Climate Change Anxiety and Mental Health among Students at Nangarhar University, Afghanistan

Climate change is progressively having stronger and longer-lasting impacts on societies, which can directly and indirectly affect people's mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between climate anxiety and mental health (in terms of depression, general anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder) among students of Nangarhar University, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted on 350 participants who are currently studying at Nangarhar University from December 1 to December 21, 2023. A non-probability-convenient sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using an online Google form that was shared with 13 faculties’ student groups for three weeks with the help of Nangarhar University lecturers. The data were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. The findings of this study show that there is a positive and significant relationship between climate change anxiety and depression (Beta = 52; P<0.001), a positive and significant relationship between climate change anxiety and general anxiety (Beta = 48; P <0.001), and a positive and significant relationship between climate change anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (Beta = 47; p <0.001). Climate change anxiety was the main source of mental health problems for Nangarhar University male students, as it has a positive and significant relationship with mental health in terms of depression, general anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. So it is suggested to incorporate climate change anxiety into governmental policies and plans for the mental health of students, including mental health psychological supports, to better prepare and respond to climate change anxiety.