Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis
Objectives: To address the growing hazards to human health caused by the anthropogenic environmental catastrophe, academic curricula at all levels and disciplines, particularly medical education, should incorporate Planetary Health Education. This study aims to examine medical students' expecta...
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Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Public Health in Practice |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535225000266 |
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| author | L. Nachira P. Arcaro F. Pattavina E. Campo C. Castagna R. Frasso C. Cadeddu S. Bruno |
| author_facet | L. Nachira P. Arcaro F. Pattavina E. Campo C. Castagna R. Frasso C. Cadeddu S. Bruno |
| author_sort | L. Nachira |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives: To address the growing hazards to human health caused by the anthropogenic environmental catastrophe, academic curricula at all levels and disciplines, particularly medical education, should incorporate Planetary Health Education. This study aims to examine medical students' expectations and feedback on a Planetary Health elective in an Italian University. Study design: Cross-sectional study, employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Methods: Attendees were invited to take part in a mixed-methods written survey, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A statistical and a thematic analysis were conducted to assess responses to questions of a quantitative and qualitative nature, respectively. Results: Interest in the climate crisis was the main reason for participating in the course (52·7 %), followed by interest in a multidisciplinary approach to health (48·6 %), and the focus on the relationship between human, animal and environmental health (48·6 %). Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: relationship between human health and the environment, international health emergencies, characteristics and role of health systems, broadening of knowledge and views, positive professional impact of the course. Conclusion: The survey participants showed a deep understanding of the link between environmental conservation and the safeguarding of human health, suggesting that the next generation of medical practitioners could make a significant difference in healthcare and beyond. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5d658ea1f01c46d2bfb0aa3f7587e51a |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2666-5352 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Public Health in Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-5d658ea1f01c46d2bfb0aa3f7587e51a2025-08-20T03:07:24ZengElsevierPublic Health in Practice2666-53522025-06-01910060710.1016/j.puhip.2025.100607Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysisL. Nachira0P. Arcaro1F. Pattavina2E. Campo3C. Castagna4R. Frasso5C. Cadeddu6S. Bruno7Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome RM, ItalySection of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome RM, ItalyWomen, Children and Public Health Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome RM, ItalySection of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome RM, ItalySection of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome RM, Italy; Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USAJefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, 901 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA; Asano-Gonnella Center for Research in Medical Education and Health Care, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USAErasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University of Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Corresponding author. Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.Section of Hygiene, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome RM, Italy; Women, Children and Public Health Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome RM, ItalyObjectives: To address the growing hazards to human health caused by the anthropogenic environmental catastrophe, academic curricula at all levels and disciplines, particularly medical education, should incorporate Planetary Health Education. This study aims to examine medical students' expectations and feedback on a Planetary Health elective in an Italian University. Study design: Cross-sectional study, employing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Methods: Attendees were invited to take part in a mixed-methods written survey, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. A statistical and a thematic analysis were conducted to assess responses to questions of a quantitative and qualitative nature, respectively. Results: Interest in the climate crisis was the main reason for participating in the course (52·7 %), followed by interest in a multidisciplinary approach to health (48·6 %), and the focus on the relationship between human, animal and environmental health (48·6 %). Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: relationship between human health and the environment, international health emergencies, characteristics and role of health systems, broadening of knowledge and views, positive professional impact of the course. Conclusion: The survey participants showed a deep understanding of the link between environmental conservation and the safeguarding of human health, suggesting that the next generation of medical practitioners could make a significant difference in healthcare and beyond.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535225000266Planetary health educationMedical studentsElective courseMedical curriculumMedical training |
| spellingShingle | L. Nachira P. Arcaro F. Pattavina E. Campo C. Castagna R. Frasso C. Cadeddu S. Bruno Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis Public Health in Practice Planetary health education Medical students Elective course Medical curriculum Medical training |
| title | Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis |
| title_full | Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis |
| title_fullStr | Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis |
| title_short | Perceived relevance of Planetary Health for Medical Students in Italy: Results from a mixed-methods analysis |
| title_sort | perceived relevance of planetary health for medical students in italy results from a mixed methods analysis |
| topic | Planetary health education Medical students Elective course Medical curriculum Medical training |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666535225000266 |
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