AUTHOR=Grande Antonio Jose , Dias Ieda M. A. V. , Jardim Paulo T. C. , Vieira Machado Alessandra Aparecida , Soratto Jacks , da Rosa Maria Inês , Roever Leonardo , Bisognin Ceretta Luciane , Zourntos Xanthi , Harding Seeromanie 

TITLE=Climate change and mental health of Indigenous peoples living in their territory: a concept mapping study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237740

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1237740

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=The alarming increase in annual deforestation rates has had devastating consequences in climate change, and it is affecting Indigenous people, who depend entirely on the land for survival and has also weakened the rainforest's crucial role in stabilizing the global climate. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous needs: social, economic, and historical conditions influence health and health care. The aim of this study was to conduct online concept mapping workshops with university students to identify perceived important and feasible actions for improving the mental health of indigenous living in their territory in association with climate change.Concept mapping, a participatory mixed methodology, was conducted virtually with 20 Indigenous students at two universities in Brazil. A focus prompt was developed from consultations with Indigenous stakeholders and read -"To improve the mental health of Indigenous peoples in their territory during climate change crises, it is necessary to..."University students organised 42 unique statements organised in 6 clusters that cover a wide range of topics: Family support 0.68 (SD0.19), Respect and Understanding 0.37 (SD0.08), Improvement actions 0.52 (SD 0.07), Public policies in favour of Indigenous mental health 0.24 (0.09), health actions 0.15 (SD0.08), Indigenous training in health and its importance in improving mental health 0.32 (SD0.07).These clusters range from community initiatives, public policies, health actions, and strengthening professional services in Indigenous communities. These all provide numerous concrete ideas for developing interventions designed to address mental health challenges associated with climate change.