Journal of Epidemiology and Health Sciences
Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): January - April

The Relationship between Climate Change and the Prevalence of Environmentally Based Diseases in Coastal Fishing Communities in Abeli District

Indri Reva Wardani (Halu Oleo University)
Sarni Tia (Halu Oleo University)
Mufida Dwi Agusti (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Moon Sari (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Astrid Pratiwi Lahata (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Nur Ain (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Clariza Garda Sakti (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Nunung Sari (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Muliyati (Universitas Halu Oleo)



Article Info

Publish Date
23 Apr 2025

Abstract

Background: Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country in the world, possesses approximately two-thirds of its territory in the form of marine areas, with a total area of around 3.25 million km². Of this, 2.55 million km² constitutes the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Indonesia has the right to utilize natural resources both living and non-living within its waters, which span an estimated 7.81 million km². This vast maritime potential offers significant opportunities for the development of the marine and fisheries sector, which serves as a key pillar in national economic growth. Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between climate change and the prevalence of environmentally-based diseases among coastal fishing communities in Abeli District. Method: This research employed a descriptive-analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. Data collection was conducted through structured interviews involving 200 randomly selected respondents using a standardized research questionnaire. Data were analyzed to explore the correlation between perceived climate change (such as increasing air temperatures) and reported cases of environment-related diseases. Results: The majority of respondents (61.5%) were within the 41–60 year age group. Out of 200 respondents, 32 reported having contracted dengue fever. Among these, 2 respondents (1.0%) perceived an increase in air temperature, while 9 (4.5%) did not. Additionally, 7 respondents reported having malaria, and 5 experienced skin diseases. Of those with skin diseases, 2 (1.0%) perceived a rise in temperature, while 3 (1.5%) did not. These results indicate patterns in the perception of climatic changes associated with the incidence of environmentally-influenced diseases. Conclusion: The findings suggest a significant relationship between climate change and the prevalence of environmentally-based diseases within coastal fishing communities in Abeli District. Therefore, it is imperative to implement effective mitigation strategies through enhanced public health education and the strengthening of health infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change. Keywords: Climate Change, Disease Prevalence, Fishing Communities, Coastal, Marine and Fisheries

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jehs

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

Journal of Epidemiology and Health Sciences (JEHS) adalah jurnal ilmiah hasil kolaborasi antara Yayasan Cipta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) Publisher dan Politeknik Baubau Sulawesi Tenggara. Jurnal ini menerbitkan hasil penelitian dan studi tentang epidemiologi dan isu-isu ilmu kesehatan. Jurnal ini bertujuan ...