Abstract:
Background: Climate change is a universal public health problem that affects developed and
developing countries including South Africa. This environmental hazard causes damage of
properties, injuries and death. In most cases, survivors experience psychosocial problems
such as depression, anger and isolation after flood because of climate change.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine health effects of climate change at Ga-
Mashamothane village, Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, South Africa.
Methodology: A quantitative approach using cross-sectional descriptive design was used in
this study. A sample of 352 households has been selected from the target population by
means of simple random sampling. Self-administered questionnaires with closed-ended
questions were administered to respondents between the age of 18 years and above who met
the inclusion criteria. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee
of the University of Venda. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS version 25) and presented in the form of tables, charts and graphs. Chi-square was
used to test significant relationship between heavy rainfall and injuries, and between drought
and malnutrition.
Results: Three hundred and fifty-two (352) questionnaires were distributed to respondents
and 258 questionnaires were satisfactorily completed and returned. The findings of the study
showed that 177 (68.6%) of the respondents were male and 81 (31.4%) of the respondents
were females. The results indicated that heavy rainfall and injuries statistically are significantly
correlated (P-value =0.000). There was positive relationship between heavy rainfall and
injuries, as majority of the respondents 242 (93.8%) sustained injuries after experiencing
heavy rainfall. The results of the study indicated that drought and malnutrition statistically are
significantly correlated (P-value =0.000). There was positive relationship between drought and
malnutrition, as majority of respondents 225 (87.2%) suffered from malnutrition during
drought.
Conclusions: The study found that there is association between heavy rainfall and injuries
and there is association between drought and malnutrition.
Recommendations: There is a need of collaboration of several stakeholders such as local
municipality, Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labour and
department of Basic Education to come up with strategies to protect people’s lives.
