Population Perception of Climate Change and its Effects on Health in the Biyem Assi Health District, Cameroon

Climate change is posing growing threats to global public health and security of the vulnerable population.The adverse effects on human health are enormous and understanding factors associated with awareness and its health impacts is essential for effective public health communication and intervention.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess population perception of climate change and its effects on human health in the Biyem Assi Health District.Sociodemographic variables, environmental factors, and access to information and resources were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.Majority of respondents (96.2%) were aware of climate change.Awareness was significantly higher among individuals under 40 years (p = 0.003), those with higher education levels, and those exposed to climate-related health or environmental effects.Awareness was also significantly associated with understanding of its consequences, such as heatwaves, flooding, water scarcity, and local weather variability (all p < 0.05).Perception that climate change affects health was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.000), with all male respondents affirming the link compared to 81% of females.Respondents who believed in the health impacts of climate change were significantly more likely to report issues such as respiratory diseases, vector-borne illnesses, and diarrhoea (all p = 0.000).Climate change awareness in the study population is high but shaped more by informed perception, trusted information sources than by demographic characteristics.Public health strategies should prioritize accessible, community-based education that links climate change to health outcomes.