MENTAL HEALTH OF RURAL RESIDENTS IN THE SOUTHWEST FROM GENDER PERSPECTIVE IN THE CONTEXT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

Mental health is a vital component of an individual's total physical and mental state. In the context of climate change, health in general and mental health in particular are negatively affected. The study examines the mental health problems of individuals living in rural areas in the Southwest from the gender perspective, specifically focusing on the impact of climate change, using both quantitative and qualitative survey data collected in 2023. The research findings indicate that climate change has a direct and indirect impact on the mental health problems of rural residents in the Southwest. Additionally, there are gender disparities in the mental health status, causes, and treatment approaches for these concerns.