Bridging Medicine and Planetary Health: Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Climate Change and Its Health Impacts among Medical Students in Mysuru

Background: Climate change poses a significant threat to planetary health, impacting human well-being through environmental degradation, disease spread, and resource insecurity. Medical professionals play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, yet planetary health education remains limited in medical curricula. The study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding climate change and planetary health among medical students in Mysuru and explore opportunities for curricular integration. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 557 undergraduate and postgraduate medical students in a tertiary hospital in Mysuru (October–December 2024) using a semi-structured online questionnaire. Data on sociodemographics, KAP, and perceptions of curricular content were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results: Most participants (61.8%) were somewhat familiar with planetary health, while 25.1% had no familiarity. Although 73.2% considered planetary health very important for future health care, and 85.1% believed individuals can make a difference, only 41.8% reported participation in sustainability initiatives. Common personal practices included recycling (60.5%) and conserving resources, but community-level engagement was low (50.3%). The majority (79.0%) believed responsibility should be shared by all stakeholders, yet 62.1% cited lack of knowledge as the main barrier. Satisfaction with current curriculum coverage was low (35.4% dissatisfied). Conclusion: Medical students in Mysuru exhibit strong attitudes but limited knowledge and practice regarding planetary health. Enhanced integration of climate change and planetary health topics into the medical curriculum, supported by practical and community-based initiatives, is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals for climate-related health challenges.