Knowledge translation of climate change research into public health action: a scoping review
1
Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, School of Data Science and Computational Thinking,, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
2
Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, The Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
3
Cyprus International Institute of Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
4
Division Policy and Implementation Research for Cancer Prevention, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
5
Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
6
Climate Change and Health Research Programme, Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A463
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
There are gaps in translating climate change research into public health action globally. Knowledge translation refers to the methods used to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Given the significant impacts of climate change on health, it is essential to integrate climate research into health decision-making processes. This integration ensures that evidence informs policies and practices at all levels, leading to more timely, equitable, and impactful public health responses.
OBJECTIVE:
This scoping review examines key approaches and identifies gaps in knowledge translation methods for integrating climate change research into public health decision-making.
METHODS:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus using a predefined search string to identify studies on climate change and health published between January 1, 2003, and March 1, 2024, with no geographic restrictions. Retrieved articles were screened and data extracted using Covidence software. Thematic analysis was performed in ATLAS.TI employing Braun and Clark’s six-step method. Identified knowledge translation approaches were categorized according to the Cochrane Knowledge Translation Framework.
RESULTS:
Our findings highlight five primary knowledge translation approaches: (1) monitoring coverage of climate change and health across media, scientific literature, and government responses; (2) engaging citizens of all ages in participatory activities to address local climate challenges and co-develop policy solutions; (3) integrating knowledge generation, synthesis, and dissemination for effective communication; (4) emphasizing advocacy and education to foster collaborations and gain support from decision-makers; and (5) leveraging health impact assessment tools to guide decision-making related to climate change and health. However, we found no primary studies on climate change research and knowledge translation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a need for primary studies on knowledge translation of climate change research, particularly adaptation, into meaningful public health actions that inform decision-making and contribute to climate-resilient health systems in LMICs.
There are gaps in translating climate change research into public health action globally. Knowledge translation refers to the methods used to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. Given the significant impacts of climate change on health, it is essential to integrate climate research into health decision-making processes. This integration ensures that evidence informs policies and practices at all levels, leading to more timely, equitable, and impactful public health responses.
OBJECTIVE:
This scoping review examines key approaches and identifies gaps in knowledge translation methods for integrating climate change research into public health decision-making.
METHODS:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus using a predefined search string to identify studies on climate change and health published between January 1, 2003, and March 1, 2024, with no geographic restrictions. Retrieved articles were screened and data extracted using Covidence software. Thematic analysis was performed in ATLAS.TI employing Braun and Clark’s six-step method. Identified knowledge translation approaches were categorized according to the Cochrane Knowledge Translation Framework.
RESULTS:
Our findings highlight five primary knowledge translation approaches: (1) monitoring coverage of climate change and health across media, scientific literature, and government responses; (2) engaging citizens of all ages in participatory activities to address local climate challenges and co-develop policy solutions; (3) integrating knowledge generation, synthesis, and dissemination for effective communication; (4) emphasizing advocacy and education to foster collaborations and gain support from decision-makers; and (5) leveraging health impact assessment tools to guide decision-making related to climate change and health. However, we found no primary studies on climate change research and knowledge translation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
CONCLUSIONS:
There is a need for primary studies on knowledge translation of climate change research, particularly adaptation, into meaningful public health actions that inform decision-making and contribute to climate-resilient health systems in LMICs.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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