Perceived impact of climate change on water scarcity among adult women in Debre Markos Town, 2025: a community-based cross-sectional study

Climate change is a long-term variability in weather patterns primarily caused by human activities. This variability affects water supply capabilities and causes water scarcity. The most vulnerable group for water scarcity is adult women. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived impact of climate change on water scarcity among adult women in Debre Markos Town. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted from 15 May 2025 to 15 July 2025 among 622 adult women. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the data and p value less than 0.05 at 95% was considered a cut point for significant association determinations. With a response rate of 98.12%, 34.60% (95% CI: 30.9, 38.3) of women perceived that climate change contributes to water scarcity. Women residing in semi-urban areas were more likely to perceive the impact of climate change on water scarcity than those living in urban areas. Similarly, women who had received climate-related information were more likely to perceive the impact of climate change on water scarcity than those who had not received such information. Participation in a local water committee was also positively associated with perceiving the impact of climate change on water scarcity. In addition, women who had received health extension services during the previous year were more likely to perceive the impact of climate change on water scarcity compared with those who had not received these services. Less than half of respondents (34.6%) perceived the impact of climate change on water scarcity. Semi-urban residence, access to climate-related information, participation in water committees, and receipt of health extension services were significant determinants of perception. The study recommends mixed-methods and more robust designs to improve understanding and strengthen causal inference, and highlights the need to enhance access to climate information, water governance participation, and health extension services to improve awareness and adaptation.