Jurnal Kesehatan Masyarakat
Vol. 21 No. 4 (2026)

Climate Anxiety Among Adolescents in Medan City, Indonesia

Putranto Manalu (Department of Public Health, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia)
Eka Lolita Eliyanti Pakpahan (Department of Public Health, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia)
Henny Arwina Bangun (Department of Public Health, Universitas Sari Mutiara Indonesia, Medan 20123, Indonesia)
Frans Judea Samosir (Department of Public Health, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia)
Hartono (Department of Public Health, Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi, Jambi 36138, Indonesia)
Esra Febiola Hutabarat (Department of Public Health, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia)
Theresya Tiara Sari Lumban Batu (Department of Public Health, Universitas Prima Indonesia, Medan 20118, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Jul 2026

Abstract

Climate change represents a significant global crisis affecting human well-being, with over 59% of youth reporting extreme concern. This study aimed to investigate factors contributing to climate anxiety among adolescents in Medan City, Indonesia, a region vulnerable to climate-related challenges. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2024, involving 372 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years from Medan City. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, climate change knowledge, attitudes, and anxiety levels were collected using an online questionnaire. Statistical analyses included univariate descriptions and chi-square tests. Significant associations were observed between climate anxiety and gender, education level, sources of information, knowledge, and attitudes. Males exhibited lower odds of experiencing anxiety compared to females (OR = 0.472, p = 0.001). Higher education (p = 0.003), use of electronic media as an information source (OR = 0.466, p = 0.029), strong climate change knowledge (OR = 3.933, p < 0.001), and positive attitudes toward climate action (OR = 7.269, p < 0.001) were associated with increased anxiety. This study highlights the complex relationship between adolescents’ understanding of climate change and their emotional responses, emphasizing the necessity for targeted interventions to address climate anxiety within this demographic.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

kemas

Publisher

Subject

Education Public Health

Description

KEMAS publishes the article based on research or equivalent to research results in public health or other disciplines related to public health that has not been loaded/published by other media. The journal contains articles about epidemiology and biostatistics, health policy and administration, ...