Planetary Health and Patient Dialogue: Exploring Cancer Perceptions Through Doctor-Patient Communication in Nairobi County

Abstract

As climate change escalates, environmental stressors such as air pollution, excessive heat, and healthcare disruptions pose significant challenges to public health, particularly in urban areas like Nairobi County. These ecological changes exacerbate existing cancer risks and hinder access to treatment. Despite these realities, the communication dynamics between patients and doctors remain an underexplored aspect of adaptive healthcare solutions in climate-affected environments. Informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), this study examines the impact of interpersonal communication in Nairobi's oncology clinics on patient decision-making and treatment adherence. The objectives are to examine the methods and effectiveness of doctor-patient communication in oncology clinics, evaluate its impact on patient knowledge, assess its effect on patient attitudes towards treatment, and determine how communication shapes or reinforces patient beliefs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through structured questionnaires from 60 cancer patients and 60 caregivers in Nairobi County. Qualitative data is obtained through purposive sampling and in-depth interviews with 10 doctors, providing a nuanced understanding of communication practices and challenges. The results indicate that poor communication, characterized by the use of medical jargon, cultural dissonance, and insufficient patient engagement, significantly hinders treatment adherence, particularly for patients with low health literacy. Conversely, the study highlights the critical role of patientcentered communication in enhancing understanding, building trust, and increasing compliance with cancer treatment regimens despite the challenges posed by climaterelated stresses. The study also emphasizes integrating climate health awareness into medical education and communication practices. Policy recommendations include incorporating climate health literacy into medical curricula, implementing inclusive and culturally sensitive communication frameworks, and decentralizing oncology services to address the challenges faced by urban populations affected by climate change. The study identifies effective doctor-patient communication as essential in strengthening health system resilience amid climate change.