Concerns and emotions related to climate change and students' mental health before and after the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

This study aimed to assess the association between concern and negative emotions about climate change and mental health among students in Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, before and after the 2024 flood. A quantitative, single-group pre-post design was used. The outcomes were concerned about climate change and negative emotions or thoughts that harmful events may occur due to climate change (yes/no). Mental health was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale for Adolescents. Adjusted linear regression analyses were performed, with results expressed as beta coefficients and 95%CIs. Increases were observed from pre- to post-event in concern, negative emotions, depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression scores increased significantly among those concerned about climate change before and after the flood, and depression and anxiety scores rose among those with negative emotions. Students showed increased climate-related concern and emotional distress, along with worsened mental health, following the extreme event.