Climate change and mental health burden among caregivers in California

Background and Objectives

Climate change poses a growing threat to mental health, particularly for populations already facing chronic stress. Caregivers manage multiple responsibilities under challenging conditions, yet their vulnerability to climate-related mental health impacts remains underexplored. This study assesses whether caregivers report greater climate-related mental health burden and whether structural factors are associated with this burden.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using 2023 California Health Interview Survey data. Multivariable logistic regressions assessed associations between caregiver status, structural factors, and climate-related mental health burden. Subgroup analysis among caregivers evaluated whether these associations were more pronounced in this population.

Results

Caregivers had increased odds of climate-related mental health burden (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57, 95% CI 1.36–1.80). Within the caregiver subgroup, higher odds were associated with housing insecurity (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.11–1.84), caregiving-related financial stress (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.19–2.01), bisexual/pansexual identity, (aOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 2.02–4.33), and providing care to older adults (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.03–1.65). Rural caregivers in neighborhoods with low community cohesion also had elevated odds (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI 1.46–4.81).

Discussion and Implications

Caregivers reported greater climate-related mental health burden than non-caregivers. Findings highlight the role of structural factors in shaping mental health and the need for climate resilience strategies that meaningfully incorporate caregiving considerations into adaptation planning. Attending to these structural determinants is essential for building resilient responses to climate change that recognize and meet the shared needs of caregivers and their care recipients.