Health effects of climate change: A Case Study of Ga-Mashamothane village at Fetakgomo Tubatse Municipality, South Africa

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.