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Meherali S, Aynalem YA, Nisa SU, Kennedy M, Salami B, Adjorlolo S, Ali P, Silva KL, Aziato L, Richter S, Lassi ZS. Impact of climate change on child outcomes: an evidence gap map review. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002592. [PMID: 39401971 PMCID: PMC11474898 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change and extreme weather events significantly threaten neonatal and child health. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the impact of climate change on child health, using the evidence gap map (EGM) to address knowledge gaps and establish a foundation for evidence-based interventions and future research. METHOD From inception, academic databases (such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL and Scopus) and grey literature were systematically searched. We included climate change-related studies involving children aged 0-5 worldwide. Covidence facilitated a rigorous screening process, and we conducted a critical appraisal. Two independent reviewers handled screening and data extraction. Eligible studies underwent coding and extraction using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) reviewer software. The EGM was constructed using EPPI Mapper, and comprehensive findings were presented through live links and figures. RESULT We identified 196 studies, comprising 59.2% children and 40.8% neonates, with diverse research approaches, including 94% quantitative studies. There has been a notable increase in research publications over the past 5 years. Evidence is heavily concentrated in Asia (93 studies) and Africa (47 studies). The most frequently studied exposures are those related to extreme climate events, followed by drought and floods. However, there are gaps in the study of extreme cold and storms. The significant outcomes comprised preterm birth (55 studies), low birth weight (27 studies), malnutrition (59 studies) and diarrhoeal diseases (28 studies). Evidence on mental health problems and congenital disabilities receives relatively less attention. CONCLUSION This EGM is crucial for researchers, policymakers and practitioners. It highlights knowledge gaps and guides future research to address the evolving threats of climate change to global child health. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER INPLASY202370086.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Meherali
- University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yared Asmare Aynalem
- Faculty of Nursing Edmonton, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- College of Health Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Saba Un Nisa
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Megan Kennedy
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Librarian, University of Alberta Libraries, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Samuel Adjorlolo
- 5Department of Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
- Research and Grant Institute, Research and Grant Institute of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Parveen Ali
- School of Allied Health Professions, Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield Jessop Hospital for Women, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kênia Lara Silva
- Departamento de Enfermagem Aplicada, Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lydia Aziato
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Solina Richter
- College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Alfvén T, Bhutta ZA. Nurturing children and protecting our planet from climate change. BMJ 2024; 387:q2056. [PMID: 39389591 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Aga Khan University, South Central Asia and East Africa
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Druetz T, Brenes-Garita S, Bicaba F, Tiendrebeogo C, Bicaba A. COVID-19 and its effects on food producers: panel data evidence from Burkina Faso. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:132. [PMID: 39380123 PMCID: PMC11462756 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00942-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Burkina Faso implemented stringent measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that profoundly affected its economy and might have exacerbated food insecurity. While prior studies have assessed the impact of these measures on consumers, there is a dearth of evidence of its effects on food producers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims (i) to evaluate the repercussions of COVID-19 on the possession of food production assets and on the number of livestock owned; and (ii) to determine the correlation between the food insecurity experience scale (FIES) score, ownership of these assets, and the number of livestock owned. METHODS This study employs a pre-post comparison design in two panels of randomly selected households in Burkina Faso. While Panel A was constituted of 384 households predominantly (76%) living in rural areas, Panel B comprised 504 households, only half of which (51%) lived in rural areas. All households were visited twice: in July 2019 and February 2021, for Panel A, and in February 2020 and February 2021, for Panel B. Panel B was added to the study before the pandemic thanks to additional funding; the timing of the survey was harmonized in both panels for the second round. Regression models were used with fixed effects at the household level, controlling for potential time-invariant confounding variables, and correlation coefficients between possession of production assets or number of livestock and FIES score were measured. RESULTS Our findings indicate that the possession of some assets in Panel A (cart, livestock, bicycle, watch) was significantly reduced during the pandemic, as was the herd sizes among livestock-owning households in both panels. Households with fewer production assets and number of livestock were more likely to experience food insecurity. CONCLUSION This study underscores the vulnerability of rural households in Burkina Faso to the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing the challenges faced by farming and livestock-owning households is crucial for mitigating food insecurity and improving resilience in the face of ongoing crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Druetz
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, Suite 2300, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada.
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, 7101 Park av, Montreal, QC, H3N 1X9, Canada.
| | - Sara Brenes-Garita
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Frank Bicaba
- Société d'études et de recherches en santé publique, Rue 28.247, Secteur 44 Dassasgho, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Cheick Tiendrebeogo
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, Suite 2300, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Abel Bicaba
- Société d'études et de recherches en santé publique, Rue 28.247, Secteur 44 Dassasgho, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Kurt A, Dinç F, Güneş Şan E, Uzun İB. Development and validation of the climate change health protection behaviors scale for adolescents: a methodological study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024; 34:3682-3695. [PMID: 39037213 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2382903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale for adolescents. A total of 1036 adolescents were recruited from middle and high schools. The development of the assessment scale was carried out in three steps: item generation, content validity evaluation, and psychometric evaluation. Psychometric testing was conducted to determine the relationship between the resulting factors and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale and Climate Change Awareness Scale. A 28-item scale was developed, consisting of four factors that account for 65.0% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.874. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale and both the Climate Change Awareness Scale and the Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale for adolescents. These results suggest that the Climate Change Health Protection Behaviors Scale is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating health protection behaviors related to climate change in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Kurt
- Bartın University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nursing Department, Pediatric Nursing, Bartın, Turkey
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Gogou M, Chana S, Kamal-Uddin S, Yao S, Rose K. Children's voices and the climate crisis: a report from the RCPCH. Arch Dis Child 2024:archdischild-2024-327387. [PMID: 39322266 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gogou
- Climate Change Working Group, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, London, UK
| | - Shveta Chana
- Climate Change Working Group, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
- Paediatrics, Milton Keynes University Hospital, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Solomon Kamal-Uddin
- Climate Change Working Group, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
| | - Sijia Yao
- Climate Change Working Group, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
| | - Katy Rose
- Climate Change Working Group, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, London, UK
- Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
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Li JJH, Wang P, Sutton C, Harker R, Xue T, Chen K. Landscape Fire Air Pollution as a Mediator in Drought and Childhood Stunting Pathway in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 39259849 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Drought induces dry hazards, including wildfire, and increased air pollution from wildfire may be a mechanism by which drought increases health risks. We examined whether the drought-wildfire pathway increases the risk of childhood stunting. We analyzed all geocoded children under five across 44 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We first conducted mixed-effect regressions to examine the three pairwise associations between standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), fire-sourced PM2.5, and childhood stunting. We then employed a causal mediation analysis to determine whether compounding drought-wildfire (cascading or co-occurring) events significantly impact the drought-stunting pathway. We found that each 1-unit decrease in SPEI exposure was associated with a 2.16% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79, 3.49%] increase in stunting risk and 0.57 (95% CI 0.55, 0.59%) μg/m3 increase in fire-sourced PM2.5. Additionally, each 1 μg/m3 increase in 24 month average fire-sourced PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of 2.46% (95% CI: 2.16, 2.76%) in stunting. Drought-mediated fires accounted for 26.7% (95% CI: 14.5, 36.6%) of the linkage between SPEI and stunting. Our study revealed fire-sourced PM2.5 is a mediator in the drought-stunting pathway in LMICs. To protect child health under increasing drought conditions, personal interventions against wildfire should be considered to enhance climate resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jiang-Hui Li
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Pin Wang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Caroline Sutton
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Riena Harker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Tao Xue
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health/Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases (PKU), School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
- Advanced Institute of Information Technology, Peking University, Hangzhou 311215, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Exposure, and Health Risk Management and Center for Environment and Health, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
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Moraca S, Indinnimeo L, De Nuntiis P. Risk perceptions of Italian paediatricians for the impact of climate change on children's health. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:170. [PMID: 39252030 PMCID: PMC11385842 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS This study delves into the risk perceptions of Italian pediatricians concerning climate change's impact on children's health. Given children's heightened vulnerability to climate-related health risks, comprehending these perceptions is crucial. A review of pertinent literature establishes the framework, emphasizing six key factors influencing children's susceptibility to climate-related health hazards. METHODS Methodologically, the study utilized a survey tool developed collaboratively with the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), garnering responses from a representative sample of Italian pediatricians. RESULTS Findings indicate a high level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its health implications, with a majority attributing it primarily to human activity. Pediatricians recognize various current and anticipated health impacts of climate change, notably concerning illnesses linked to outdoor air quality. Despite acknowledging their role in addressing climate-related health concerns, respondents also cite barriers to engagement, including time constraints and knowledge gaps. However, they express interest in resources like professional training and policy statements to bolster their capacity for effective communication and advocacy. CONCLUSIONS Comparisons with prior studies highlight the consistency of findings across diverse contexts and underscore the significance of integrating climate and environmental health education into medical training. Overall, this study sheds light on pediatricians' perspectives in tackling the convergence of climate change and children's health, pinpointing avenues for enhancing their involvement in climate advocacy and mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Moraca
- IRCCS Materno Infantile Burlo Garofalo, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Nuntiis
- Istituto Delle Science Dell'Atmosfera E del Clima- CNR ISAC, Bologna, Italy
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Ryan PH, Newman N, Yolton K, Meinzen-Derr J, Glauser T, Cheng TL. A call for solutions-oriented research and policy to protect children from the effects of climate change. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03559-9. [PMID: 39242938 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03559-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick H Ryan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nicholas Newman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jareen Meinzen-Derr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tracy Glauser
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tina L Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Kocoglu-Tanyer D, Dengiz KS, Sacikara Z. Nursing students' conceptualization of environmental problems: a descriptive cross-sectional study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2024; 140:106296. [PMID: 38972168 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The significant challenges of the twenty-first century revolve around environmental issues. Knowing individuals' environmental attitudes and what they see as environmental problems is crucial to mobilizing them to action. Nurses hold a significant responsibility in addressing and combating environmental challenges. RESEARCH AIM This study had two objectives: understanding how nursing students classify environmental issues and examining the effects of gender, economic status, school district, family environmental awareness, and perception of global responsibility on their conceptualization of environmental issues. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of 1466 nursing students from four faculties of two public universities in Turkiye. The study was conducted between January and April 2023. METHODS Data were collected using a form that included 19 issues ranging from ecological problems to social problems related to the environment, as well as the Global Social Responsibility Scale (GSRS). The data were analyzed using explanatory factor analysis, multiple regression, and mediator analysis. RESULTS Participants classified the environmental issues as eco-social-oriented and human-oriented. First-year students (B = -0.201), male students (B = -0.263), those studying in rural schools (B = -0.123), and those who rarely discuss environmental issues in the family (B = -0.197) describe the problems in the eco-social oriented dimension as less "environmental." The increase in the action-oriented responsibility (B = 0.014) and ecological responsibility (B = 0.077) scores of The Global Social Responsibility Scale leads to an increase in recognizing the problems in this area as environmental issues. Similarly, first-year students (B = -0.340), male students (B = -0.293), and those who rarely discussed environmental issues in the family (B = -0.243) led to a decrease in recognizing problems as environmental in the human-oriented issues dimension. In contrast, poor socioeconomic perception (B = 0.245), negative perception of the future (B = 0.145), and increased action-oriented responsibility (B = 0.024) and ecological responsibility (B = 0.042) led to an increase in recognition of human-oriented issues. The increase in the national responsibility score decreased the score of environmental assessment of the problems in this area (B = -0.017). In addition, the perception of global responsibility partially mediates between students' sociodemographic characteristics and environmental issues recognition scores in both sub-dimensions. CONCLUSION This study presents results that point to individual differences among nursing students in addressing environmental issues, reveal the impact of family on these differences, and finally show the importance of curricula to increase students' global social responsibility during their education.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kubra Sultan Dengiz
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Nursing, Public Health Department Konya, Turkiye
| | - Zeynep Sacikara
- Necmettin Erbakan University, Faculty of Nursing, Public Health Department Konya, Turkiye
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Souilla L, Amedro P, Morrison SA. Children With Cardiac Disease and Heat Exposure: Catastrophic Converging Consequences? Pediatr Exerc Sci 2024; 36:118-122. [PMID: 38171350 DOI: 10.1123/pes.2023-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The detrimental impact of extreme heat exposure on the health and well-being of children is widely acknowledged. The direct and indirect effects of climate change have led to an increased risk of certain cardiovascular events which may be particularly harmful to children who are born with, or develop, heart disease. PURPOSE To highlight the worrying paucity of investigative research aimed at differentiating how higher ambient temperatures further tax an already compromised cardiovascular system in children. METHODS This commentary describes basic thermoregulatory concepts relevant to the healthy pediatric population and summarizes common heart diseases observed in this population. RESULTS We describe how heat stress and exercise are important factors clinicians should more readily consider when treating children with heart disease. Countermeasures to physical inactivity are suggested for children, parents, clinicians, and policymakers to consider. CONCLUSIONS As sudden, excessive heat exposures continue to impact our rapidly warming world, vulnerable populations like children with underlying heart conditions are at greater heat health risk, especially when coupled with the negative physical activity and fitness trends observed worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Souilla
- PhyMedExp, Inserm U 1046, CNRS, University of Montpellier, Montpellier,France
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, M3C Regional Reference Centre, University Hospital, Montpellier,France
| | - Pascal Amedro
- Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, M3C National Reference Center, Bordeaux University Hospital, Pessac,France
- Bordeaux Cardio-Thoracic Research Center, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Inserm U1045, IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, Pessac,France
| | - Shawnda A Morrison
- Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore,Singapore
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Micoulaud-Franchi JA, Coelho J, Geoffroy PA, Vecchierini MF, Poirot I, Royant-Parola S, Hartley S, Cugy D, Gronfier C, Gauld C, Rey M. Eco-anxiety: An adaptive behavior or a mental disorder? Results of a psychometric study. L'ENCEPHALE 2024; 50:406-415. [PMID: 38429155 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eco-anxiety is a complex construct that has been created to grasp the psychological impact of the consequences of global warming. The concept needs a reliably valid questionnaire to better evaluate its impact on the risk of anxiety and depressive disorders. The Eco-Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ-22) evaluates two dimensions: 'habitual ecological anxiety' and 'distress related to eco-anxiety'. However, a version in French, one of the world's widely spoken languages, was until now lacking. We aimed to translate and validate the French EAQ-22 and to evaluate the prevalence of the level of the two dimensions of eco-anxiety and the relationship with anxiety and depressive symptoms in a representative adult sample of the French general population. METHODS This study was performed under the auspices of the Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance (INSV). Participants (18-65 years) were recruited by an institute specialized in conducting online surveys of representative population samples (quota sampling). Two native French speakers and two native English speakers performed a forward-backward translation of the questionnaire. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) was administered to assess anxiety (HAD-A) and depressive (HAD-D) symptoms and for external validity. Internal structural validity and external validity were analysed. RESULTS Evaluation was performed on 1004 participants: mean age 43.47 years (SD=13.41, range: [19-66]); 54.1% (n=543) women. Using the HAD, 312 (31.1%) patients had current clinically significant anxiety symptoms (HAD-A>10) and 150 (14.9%) had current clinically significant depressive symptoms (HAD-D>10). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.934, indicating very good internal consistency. Correlation between EAQ-22 and HAD scores was low (r[1004]=0.209, P<0.001), 'habitual ecological anxiety' was correlated less with HAD-A and HAD-D than 'distress related to eco-anxiety', indicating good external validity. CONCLUSION This study validates the French EAQ-22 and paves the way for using the EAQ-22 as a global tool for assessing eco-anxiety. Further prospective studies are now required to better evaluate the impact of eco-anxiety on the occurrence of anxiety and depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Arthur Micoulaud-Franchi
- University Sleep Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Leon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; UMR CNRS 6033 SANPSY, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France.
| | - Julien Coelho
- University Sleep Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Leon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; UMR CNRS 6033 SANPSY, University Hospital of Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre A Geoffroy
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, AP-HP, 75018 Paris, France; GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, 1, rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Françoise Vecchierini
- Centre du sommeil et de la vigilance, hôpital Hôtel Dieu, AP-HP, Paris, France; Sorbonne Paris Cité, université Paris Descartes, Paris, France; Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Poirot
- Service de psychiatrie adulte, hôpital Fontan, CHU de Lille, Lille, France; Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France
| | | | - Sarah Hartley
- Réseau Morphée, Garches, France; EA 4047, Sleep Center, Hôpital Raymond Poincaré, AP-HP, université de Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines, Garches, France
| | - Didier Cugy
- University Sleep Medicine Department, University Hospital of Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Leon, 33076 Bordeaux, France; Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France
| | - Claude Gronfier
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center (CRNL), Neurocampus, Waking Team, Inserm UMRS 1028, CNRS UMR 5292, Lyon, France; Université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, université de Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France; Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Gauld
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Grenoble, avenue du Maquis du Grésivaudan, 38000 Grenoble, France; Institut des sciences cognitives Marc-Jeannerod, UMR 5229 CNRS & université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Rey
- Institut national du sommeil et de la vigilance, Paris, France
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Hussein M. Unraveling the Missing Piece in Children's Health Equity. J Pediatr Health Care 2024; 38:454-455. [PMID: 38625073 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Hussein
- Clinical Research Administration, Alexandria Directorate of Health Affairs, Alexandria, Egypt; Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt; Master of Medical Science in Clinical Investigation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Zangerl KE, Hoernke K, Andreas M, Dalglish SL, Kelman I, Nilsson M, Rockloev J, Bärnighausen T, McMahon SA. Child health prioritisation in national adaptation policies on climate change: a policy document analysis across 160 countries. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:532-544. [PMID: 38848733 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(24)00084-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Integration of child-specific adaptation measures into health policies is imperative given children's heightened susceptibility to the health impacts of climate change. Using a document analysis method, we examined 160 national adaptation policies for inclusion of child-relevant measures and identified 19 child health-related adaptation domains. 44 (28%) of 160 countries' policies that were analysed failed to include any domains, 49 (31%) included at least one child-related domain, 62 (39%) included between two and six domains, and five (3%) included at least seven domains. Predominant domains among child-specific adaptation measures included education and awareness raising, followed by community engagement and nutrition. No country addressed children's direct needs in the domain of mental health. National adaptation policies tend towards overly simple conceptualisations of children across four major lenses: age, social role, gender, and agency. Limited inclusion of child-specific measures in national adaptation policies suggests insufficient recognition of and action on children's susceptibility to climate change effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin E Zangerl
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Katarina Hoernke
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Children in All Policies 2030, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marike Andreas
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health, Division of Public Health, Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sarah L Dalglish
- Children in All Policies 2030, University College London, London, UK; International Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ilan Kelman
- Institute for Global Health and Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction, University College London, London, UK; University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joacim Rockloev
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Heidelberg Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; International Health Department, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Montoro-Ramírez EM, Parra-Anguita L, Álvarez-Nieto C, Parra G, López-Medina IM. Climate change effects in older people's health: A scoping review. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38895960 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has serious consequences for the morbidity and mortality of older adults. OBJECTIVE To identify the effects of climate change on older people's health. METHODS A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Quantitative research and reports from organizations describing the effects of climate change on older people were selected. RESULTS Sixty-three full-text documents were selected. Heat and air pollution were the two factors that had the most negative effects on cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality in older people. Mental health and cognitive function were also affected. CONCLUSIONS Climate change affects several health problems in older individuals, especially high temperatures and air pollution. Nursing professionals must have the necessary skills to respond to the climate risks in older adults. More instruments are required to determine nursing competencies on climate change and the health of this population group. PATIENT OF PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Parra-Anguita
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Carmen Álvarez-Nieto
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
| | - Gema Parra
- Animal Biology, Plant Biology and Ecology Department, University of Jaen, Jaen, Spain
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15
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Boafo YA, Ohemeng FNA, Ayivor J, Ayitiah JA, Yirenya-Tawiah D, Mensah A, Datsa C, Annang TY, Adom L. Unraveling diarrheal disease knowledge, understanding, and management practices among climate change vulnerable coastal communities in Ghana. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1352275. [PMID: 38947353 PMCID: PMC11211366 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1352275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diarrheal disease is a global public health concern, particularly in low-income countries. In Ghana, widespread issues like inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, malnutrition, and poor hygiene practices contribute to the high incidence of diarrhea. Climate change exacerbates these challenges by increasing the frequency and severity of conditions that spread diarrheal diseases. This study explores households' knowledge, understanding, and management practices for diarrhea in climate change-vulnerable coastal communities. Methods The study is set in Ghana's central (Mumford, Opetekwei) and eastern (Anyako, Anyanui-Atiteti) coastlines. Using a cross-sectional study design, a structured questionnaire was administered to randomly sampled households (n = 419) to collect quantitative data. The study collected qualitative data from focus group discussions (n = 8), with groups separated into men and women, key informant interviews, and observations of food, water, and sanitation conditions across the studied communities. Results and discussion The study found significant variations between the studied communities and socio-demographic variables except for the respondents' gender. Multivariate regression analyses identified significant associations between socio-demographic variables (especially gender and educational status) and perceptions of diarrhea causes. The most used first management action against diarrhea is 'over-the-counter drugs', followed by home-made traditional remedies. Significant differences were observed in the usage of management practices across the studied communities. Trust, affordability, and availability were identified as the main factors influencing households' use of approved pharmaceutical drugs and traditional herbal remedies for managing behavior, with significant differences being observed across communities. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach, including improved access to regularly flowing, safe water and sanitation facilities, education on preventing diarrhea, and adequate healthcare services. Community-based interventions such as promoting good hygiene practices at homes and community settings such as schools, lorry parks, funeral grounds, and recreational areas can also effectively reduce the burden of diarrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaw Agyeman Boafo
- Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fidelia N. A. Ohemeng
- Department of Sociology, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Jesse Ayivor
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph Armah Ayitiah
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dzidzo Yirenya-Tawiah
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adelina Mensah
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Cecilia Datsa
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ted Yemoh Annang
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lois Adom
- Institute of Environment and Sanitation Studies, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
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16
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Foudjo SI, Keneck-Massil J. Climate vulnerability and child health outcomes in developing countries: Do women's political empowerment and female education make the difference? Soc Sci Med 2024; 351:116979. [PMID: 38815525 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Health as a common good is of paramount importance for the world, especially in developing countries. This paper contributes to the literature by analysing the effect of climate vulnerability on child health outcomes in a sample of 107 developing countries over the period 2000-2020. We also analyse the mediating role of women's political empowerment and women's education in the relationship between climate vulnerability and child health outcomes. Using the method of generalised moments in a two-stage system and linear regression absorbing several levels of fixed effects, we found robust evidence that climate vulnerability worsens child health outcomes. We also found that women's political empowerment (WPE) and women's education mitigate the negative effect of climate vulnerability on child health outcomes. These results remain robust against several alternative tests and therefore highlight the need to better examine how the health consequences of climate vulnerability are structured by gender in developing countries. Given the importance of women as agents of change, it would be more beneficial for policymakers to include them in the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Keneck-Massil
- CEREG- University of Yaoundé II Soa , Cameroon; Source - University of Versailles, Saint - Quentin -en- Yvelines, France.
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17
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Harrison J, Williams P, Raynes-Greenow C, Fairlie S, Quynh Nga PT, Ton TN, Pratt A, Thanh HN, Payne D, McBrearty C, Pasupathy D. The impact of climate change on infant mortality in Viet Nam: identifying a need for higher quality accessible data. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 47:101113. [PMID: 38953058 PMCID: PMC11215097 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson Harrison
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Phoebe Williams
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Camille Raynes-Greenow
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Angela Pratt
- World Health Organisation (WHO), Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Ha Ngyuen Thanh
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - David Payne
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Chris McBrearty
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hanoi, Viet Nam
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Dharmintra Pasupathy
- Reproduction and Perinatal Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Conway F, Portela A, Filippi V, Chou D, Kovats S. Climate change, air pollution and maternal and newborn health: An overview of reviews of health outcomes. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04128. [PMID: 38785109 PMCID: PMC11117177 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change represents a fundamental threat to human health, with pregnant women and newborns being more susceptible than other populations. In this review, we aimed to describe the current landscape of available epidemiological evidence on key climate risks on maternal and newborn health (MNH). Methods We sought to identify published systematic and scoping reviews investigating the impact of different climate hazards and air pollution on MNH outcomes. With this in mind, we developed a systematic search strategy based on the concepts of 'climate/air pollution hazards, 'maternal health,' and 'newborn health,' with restrictions to reviews published between 1 January 2010 and 6 February 2023, but without geographical or language restriction. Following full text screening and data extraction, we synthesised the results using narrative synthesis. Results We found 79 reviews investigating the effects of climate hazards on MNH, mainly focussing on outdoor air pollution (n = 47, 59%), heat (n = 24, 30%), and flood/storm disasters (n = 7, 9%). Most were published after 2015 (n = 60, 76%). These reviews had consistent findings regarding the positive association of exposure to heat and to air pollution with adverse birth outcomes, particularly preterm birth. We found limited evidence for impacts of climate-related food and water security on MNH and did not identify any reviews on climate-sensitive infectious diseases and MNH. Conclusions Climate change could undermine recent improvements in maternal and newborn health. Our review provides an overview of key climate risks to MNH. It could therefore be useful to the MNH community to better understand the MNH needs for each climate hazard and to strengthen discussions on evidence and research gaps and potential actions. Despite the lack of comprehensive evidence for some climate hazards and for many maternal, perinatal, and newborn outcomes, we observed repeated findings of the impact of heat and air pollutants on birth outcomes, particularly preterm birth. It is time for policy dialogue to follow to specifically design climate policy and actions to protect the needs of MNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Conway
- World Health Organization, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anayda Portela
- World Health Organization, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Veronique Filippi
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, United Kingdom
| | - Doris Chou
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/The World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sari Kovats
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Proulx K, Daelmans B, Baltag V, Banati P. Climate change impacts on child and adolescent health and well-being: A narrative review. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04061. [PMID: 38781568 PMCID: PMC11115477 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate change-related events may affect child and adolescent health and well-being, including children's mental and physical health, nutrition, safety and security, learning opportunities, and family caregiving and connectedness. Methods In this narrative review, we highlighted and discussed peer-reviewed evidence from 2012-23, primarily from meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The search strategy used a large and varied number of search terms across three academic databases to identify relevant literature. Results There was consistent evidence across systematic reviews of impact on four themes. Climate-related events are associated with a) increases in posttraumatic stress and other mental health disorders in children and adolescents, b) increases in asthma, respiratory illnesses, diarrheal diseases and vector-borne diseases, c) increases in malnutrition and reduced growth and d) disruptions to responsive caregiving and family functioning, which can be linked to poor caregiver mental health, stress and loss of resources. Evidence of violence against children in climate-related disaster contexts is inconclusive. There is a lack of systematic review evidence on the associations between climate change and children's learning outcomes. Conclusions Systematic review evidence consistently points to negative associations between climate change and children's physical and mental health, well-being, and family functioning. Yet, much remains unknown about the causal pathways linking climate-change-related events and mental and physical health, responsive relationships and connectedness, nutrition, and learning in children and adolescents. This evidence is urgently needed so that adverse health and other impacts from climate change can be prevented or minimised through well-timed and appropriate action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernadette Daelmans
- World Health Organization, Child Health and Development Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Baltag
- World Health Organization, Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Prerna Banati
- World Health Organization, Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
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20
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van Daalen KR, Wyma N, Schauer-Berg J, Blom IM, Mattijsen J, Othman R, Eissa M, Parks RM, Wyns A, Aboushady AT, Hassan M, Ezzine T, Khan S, Zayed MAE, Neggazi S, Alqodmani L, Lowe R. The global health community at international climate change negotiations. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015292. [PMID: 38637120 PMCID: PMC11029429 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Robin van Daalen
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Heart and Lung Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nanine Wyma
- African Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (AUTHeR), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa, Pinelands, South Africa
| | - Johanna Schauer-Berg
- Institute of General Practice, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Iris M Blom
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Juliette Mattijsen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Health, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Razan Othman
- The National Ribat University, Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Eissa
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Robbie M Parks
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Arthur Wyns
- Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ahmed Taha Aboushady
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muha Hassan
- Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford, Herefordshire, UK
| | - Tarek Ezzine
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Salman Khan
- Grant Government Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Menna-Allah Elsayed Zayed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- International Pharmaceutical Federation, The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands
| | - Sarah Neggazi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Algiers 1, Alger, Algeria
- International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation, the Hague, Netherlands
| | | | - Rachel Lowe
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health and Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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21
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Weeda LJZ, Bradshaw CJA, Judge MA, Saraswati CM, Le Souëf PN. How climate change degrades child health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170944. [PMID: 38360325 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children are more vulnerable than adults to climate-related health threats, but reviews examining how climate change affects human health have been mainly descriptive and lack an assessment of the magnitude of health effects children face. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis that identifies which climate-health relationships pose the greatest threats to children. OBJECTIVES We reviewed epidemiologic studies to analyse various child health outcomes due to climate change and identify the relationships with the largest effect size. We identify population-specific risks and provide recommendations for future research. METHODS We searched four large online databases for observational studies published up to 5 January 2023 following PRISMA (systematic review) guidelines. We evaluated each included study individually and aggregated relevant quantitative data. We used quantitative data in our meta-analysis, where we standardised effect sizes and compared them among different groupings of climate variables and health outcomes. RESULTS Of 1301 articles we identified, 163 studies were eligible for analysis. We identified many relationships between climate change and child health, the strongest of which was increasing risk (60 % on average) of preterm birth from exposure to temperature extremes. Respiratory disease, mortality, and morbidity, among others, were also influenced by climate changes. The effects of different air pollutants on health outcomes were considerably smaller compared to temperature effects, but with most (16/20 = 80 %) pollutant studies indicating at least a weak effect. Most studies occurred in high-income regions, but we found no geographical clustering according to health outcome, climate variable, or magnitude of risk. The following factors were protective of climate-related child-health threats: (i) economic stability and strength, (ii) access to quality healthcare, (iii) adequate infrastructure, and (iv) food security. Threats to these services vary by local geographical, climate, and socio-economic conditions. Children will have increased prevalence of disease due to anthropogenic climate change, and our quantification of the impact of various aspects of climate change on child health can contribute to the planning of mitigation that will improve the health of current and future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Z Weeda
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Corey J A Bradshaw
- Global Ecology | Partuyarta Ngadluku Wardli Kuu, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage, EpicAustralia.org.au, Australia
| | - Melinda A Judge
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Peter N Le Souëf
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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22
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Domingo KN, Gabaldon KL, Hussari MN, Yap JM, Valmadrid LC, Robinson K, Leibel S. Impact of climate change on paediatric respiratory health: pollutants and aeroallergens. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:230249. [PMID: 39009406 PMCID: PMC11262702 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0249-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Paediatric populations are particularly vulnerable to respiratory diseases caused and exacerbated by aeroallergens, pollutants and infectious agents. Worsening climate change is expected to increase the prevalence of pollutants and aeroallergens while amplifying disease severity and causing disproportionate effects in under-resourced areas. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarise the role of anthropogenic climate change in the literature examining the future impact of aeroallergens, pollutants and infectious agents on paediatric respiratory diseases with a focus on equitable disease mitigation. The aeroallergens selected for discussion include pollen, dust mites and mould as these are prevalent triggers of paediatric asthma worldwide. Human rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus are key viruses interacting with climate change and pollution and are primary causal agents of viral respiratory disease. Within this review, we present the propensity for aeroallergens, climate change and pollution to synergistically exacerbate paediatric respiratory disease and outline measures that can ameliorate the expected increase in morbidity and severity of disease through a health equity lens. We support shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy worldwide, across sectors, as a primary means of reducing increases in morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyssa N Domingo
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- K.N. Domingo and K.L. Gabaldon contributed equally
| | - Kiersten L Gabaldon
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- K.N. Domingo and K.L. Gabaldon contributed equally
| | | | - Jazmyn M Yap
- School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kelly Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sydney Leibel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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23
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Tsagkaris C, Bartkova J, Saridi M, Panagopoulos P, Zil-E-Ali A. Climate Crisis as an Opportunity for Socially and Environmentally Sensitive Surgical Preparedness: The Major Needs of Minors in Greece. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:350-351. [PMID: 37923619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christos Tsagkaris
- European Student Think Tank, Public Health and Policy Working Group, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Julia Bartkova
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Masaryk University, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Saridi
- Department of Nursing, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Periklis Panagopoulos
- 3rd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ahsan Zil-E-Ali
- Department of Heart and Vascular Institute, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Wright CY, Kapwata T, Naidoo N, Asante KP, Arku RE, Cissé G, Simane B, Atuyambe L, Berhane K. Climate Change and Human Health in Africa in Relation to Opportunities to Strengthen Mitigating Potential and Adaptive Capacity: Strategies to Inform an African "Brains Trust". Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:7. [PMID: 38312714 PMCID: PMC10836170 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Africa faces diverse and complex population/human health challenges due to climate change. Understanding the health impacts of climate change in Africa in all its complexity is essential for implementing effective strategies and policies to mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations. This study aimed to outline the major climate change-related health impacts in Africa in the context of economic resilience and to seek solutions and provide strategies to prevent or reduce adverse effects of climate change on human health and well-being in Africa. Methods For this narrative review, a literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases. We also searched the reference lists of retrieved articles for additional records as well as reports. We followed a conceptual framework to ensure all aspects of climate change and health impacts in Africa were identified. Results The average temperatures in all six eco-regions of Africa have risen since the early twentieth century, and heat exposure, extreme events, and sea level rise are projected to disproportionately affect Africa, resulting in a larger burden of health impacts than other continents. Given that climate change already poses substantial challenges to African health and well-being, this will necessitate significant effort, financial investment, and dedication to climate change mitigation and adaptation. This review offers African leaders and decision-makers data-driven and action-oriented strategies that will ensure a more resilient healthcare system and safe, healthy populations-in ways that contribute to economic resiliency. Conclusions The urgency of climate-health action integrated with sustainable development in Africa cannot be overstated, given the multiple economic gains from reducing current impacts and projected risks of climate change on the continent's population health and well-being. Climate action must be integrated into Africa's development plan to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, protect vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of climate change, and promote economic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caradee Y. Wright
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Thandi Kapwata
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Natasha Naidoo
- Environment and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Raphael E. Arku
- School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lynn Atuyambe
- Makerere University, School of Public Health, Uganda
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Oh J, Kim E, Kwag Y, An H, Kim HS, Shah S, Lee JH, Ha E. Heat wave exposure and increased heat-related hospitalizations in young children in South Korea: A time-series study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 241:117561. [PMID: 37951381 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have investigated the association between heat wave exposure increased heat-related hospitalizations in the general population. However, little is known about heat-related morbidity in young children who are more vulnerable than the general population. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between hospitalization for heat-related illness in children and heat wave exposure in South Korea. METHODS We used the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, which provides medical records from 2015 to 2019 in South Korea. We defined daily hospitalizations for heat-related illness of children younger than five years during the summer period (June to August). We considered the definition of heat waves considering the absolute temperature and percentile. A total of 12 different heat waves were used. A time-series analysis was used to investigate the association between heat wave exposure and heat-related hospitalization among children younger than five years. We used a two-stage design involving a meta-analysis after modeling by each region. RESULTS We included 16,879 daily heat-related hospitalizations among children younger than five years. Overall, heat wave exposure within two days was most related for heat-related hospitalizations in young children. The relative risk (RR) due to heat wave exposure within two days (lag2) (12 definitions: 70th to 90th percentile of maximum temperature) ranged from 1.038 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.971, 1.110) to 1.083 (95% CI: 1.036, 1.133). We found that boys were more vulnerable to heat exposure than girls. In addition, we found that urban areas were more vulnerable to heat exposure than rural areas. CONCLUSIONS In our study, heat wave exposure during summer was found to be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for heat-related illness among children younger than five years. Our findings suggest the need for summer heat wave management and prevention for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongmin Oh
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Ewha-SCL for Environmental Health (IESEH), College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea; Department of Human Systems Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Kim
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngrin Kwag
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungmi An
- Institute of Convergence Medicine Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Soon Kim
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Surabhi Shah
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyen Lee
- Institute of Ewha-SCL for Environmental Health (IESEH), College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eunhee Ha
- Department of Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Ewha-SCL for Environmental Health (IESEH), College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Republic of Korea; Graduate Program in System Health Science and Engineering, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hannah E, Etter-Phoya R, Lopez M, Hall S, O’Hare B. Impact of higher-income countries on child health in lower-income countries from a climate change perspective. A case study of the UK and Malawi. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002721. [PMID: 38175830 PMCID: PMC10766172 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is the number one threat to child health according to the World Health Organisation. It increases existing inequalities, and lower-income countries are disproportionately affected. This is unjust. Higher-income countries have contributed and continue to contribute more to climate change than lower-income countries. This has been recognised by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, which has ruled that states can be held responsible if their carbon emissions harm child rights both within and outside their jurisdiction. Nevertheless, there are few analyses of the bilateral relationship between higher- and lower-income countries concerning climate change. This article uses the UK and Malawi as a case study to illustrate higher-income countries' impact on child health in lower-income countries. It aims to assist higher-income countries in developing more targeted policies. Children in Malawi can expect more food insecurity and reduced access to clean water, sanitation, and education. They will be more exposed to heat stress, droughts, floods, air pollution and life-threatening diseases, such as malaria. In 2019, 5,000 Malawian children died from air pollution (17% of under-five deaths). The UK needs to pay its 'fair share' of climate finance and ensure adaptation is prioritised for lower-income countries. It can advocate for more equitable and transparent allocation of climate finance to support the most vulnerable countries. Additionally, the UK can act domestically to curtail revenue losses in Malawi and other lower-income countries, which would free up resources for adaptation. In terms of mitigation, the UK must increase its nationally determined commitments by 58% to reach net zero and include overseas emissions. Land use, heating systems and renewable energy must be reviewed. It must mandate comprehensive scope three emission reporting for companies to include impacts along their value chain, and support businesses, multinational corporations, and banks to reach net zero.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilish Hannah
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Etter-Phoya
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
- Tax Justice Network, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Marisol Lopez
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Hall
- School of Economics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bernadette O’Hare
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
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Sewell K, Paul S, De Polt K, Sugg MM, Leeper RD, Rao D, Runkle JD. Impacts of compounding drought and heatwave events on child mental health: insights from a spatial clustering analysis. DISCOVER MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 4:1. [PMID: 38168712 PMCID: PMC10761644 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-023-00055-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concurrent heatwave and drought events may have larger health impacts than each event separately; however, no US-based studies have examined differential mental health impacts of compound drought and heatwave events in pediatric populations. OBJECTIVE To examine the spatial patterns of mood disorders and suicide-related emergency department (ED) visits in children during heatwave, drought, and compound heatwave and drought events. We tested whether the occurrence of compound heatwave and drought events have a synergistic (multiplicative) effect on the risk of mental health related outcomes in children as compared to the additive effect of each individual climate hazard. Lastly, we identified household and community-level determinants of geographic variability of high psychiatric burden. METHODS Daily counts of psychiatric ED visits in North Carolina from 2016 to 2019 (May to Sept) for pediatric populations were aggregated at the county scale. Bernoulli cluster analyses identified high-risk spatial clusters of psychiatric morbidity during heatwave, drought, or compound heatwave and drought periods. Multivariate adaptive regression models examined the individual importance of household and community-level determinants in predicting high-risk clustering of mood disorders or suicidality across the three climate threats. RESULTS Results showed significant spatial clustering of suicide and mood disorder risks in children during heatwave, drought, and compound event periods. Periods of drought were associated with the highest likelihood of spatial clustering for suicide and mood disorders, where the risk of an ED visit was 4.48 and 6.32 times higher, respectively, compared to non-drought periods. Compounding events were associated with a threefold increase in both suicide and mood disorder-related ED visits. Community and household vulnerability factors that most contributed to spatial clustering varied across climate hazards, but consistent determinants included residential segregation, green space availability, low English proficiency, overcrowding, no broadband access, no vehicle access, housing vacancy, and availability of housing units. CONCLUSION Findings advance understanding on the locations of vulnerable pediatric populations who are disproportionately exposed to compounding climate stressors and identify community resilience factors to target in public health adaptation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Sewell
- North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sudeshna Paul
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, 1520 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA, 30322-4027, USA
| | - Kelley De Polt
- North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biogeochemical Integration, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena, Germany
| | - Maggie M Sugg
- Department of Geography & Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA
| | - Ronald D Leeper
- North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Douglas Rao
- North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer D Runkle
- North Carolina Institute of Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Kim HHR, Leschied JR, Noda SM, Sarma A, Pruthi S, Iyer RS. Planetary health: an imperative for pediatric radiology. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:20-26. [PMID: 37962606 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-023-05807-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The global temperature has been increasing resulting in climate change. This negatively impacts planetary health that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us, especially children. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, flooding, and heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a significant threat to our patients' health, safety, and security. Concurrently, shifts in environmental exposures, including air pollution, allergens, pathogenic vectors, and microplastics, further exacerbate the risks faced by children. In this paper, we provide an overview of pediatric illnesses that are becoming more prevalent and severe because of extreme weather events, global temperature increases, and shifts in environmental exposures. As members of pediatric health care teams, it is crucial for pediatric radiologists to be knowledgeable about the impacts of climate change on our patients, and continue to advocate for safe, healthier environments for our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen H R Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA.
| | - Jessica R Leschied
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sakura M Noda
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Asha Sarma
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sumit Pruthi
- Department of Radiology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ramesh S Iyer
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington School of Medicine, MA.7.220, 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
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Karaba Bäckström M, Lundgreen E, Slaug B. Mitigating the effects of climate change in children's outdoor play environments. Scand J Occup Ther 2024; 31:1-13. [PMID: 38014493 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2275697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND For many children, public playgrounds represent environments that are playful and important in developing good health. Without efforts to facilitate climate change adaptation of outdoor playgrounds there may be a negative impact on children's health and well-being. AIM With a special focus on play value, to explore the reasoning and described strategies among professionals responsible for development, planning and solutions concerning outdoor playgrounds in the context of climate change. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eight semi-structured interviews were held with purposefully selected interviewees. Analysis was conducted with manifest content analysis. RESULTS Four themes with supporting categories; 1: a new design paradigm for outdoor play environments, 2: a need for updated regulation- and security guidelines for outdoor play environments, 3: nature-based play environments are more climate change resilient, and 4: maintenance and construction of nature-based outdoor play environments. The findings showed an overall awareness and a will to use innovative and nature-based strategies and planning to deal with climate change implications for outdoor play environments. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE The findings suggest that the strategies employed lean towards implementation of increased ecosystem services and natural elements. Ensuring strengthened resilience against hazardous climate change effects may positively facilitate diverse play activities with high play value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Björn Slaug
- Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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30
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Arnot G, Thomas S, Pitt H, Warner E. Australian young people's perspectives about the political determinants of the climate crisis. Health Promot J Austr 2024; 35:196-206. [PMID: 37039480 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED There has been little focus on young people's views about the political determinants of the climate crisis. As young people are likely to be the group most impacted by political decisions relating to the climate crisis, it is essential to understand their views about government decision-making. METHODS A qualitatively-led online survey of n = 500 young Australians aged 15-24 years. Open text questions sought young people's views about current government climate policies, perceptions about policy effectiveness, and how governments could improve their climate responses. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret and construct themes from the data. RESULTS Young people perceived that governments were not taking serious action on the climate crisis. They stated that climate policies were largely influenced by economic imperatives, rather than concern for the wellbeing of current and future generations. They perceived that governments had a duty of care to protect them from the climate crisis, and needed to engage young people in climate discussions and decision-making. CONCLUSIONS Young people's perspectives about the political determinants of the climate crisis provides information about their understanding of government policies and their recommendations for action. There is a need for collaboration between young people and decision-makers to urgently develop effective climate policies. SO WHAT?: Young people understand key issues relating to the political determinants of the climate crisis. The health promotion community has a role in advocating for structural changes in policymaking processes to ensure young people have a seat at the decision-making table.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - Elyse Warner
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
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Rojo Gutiérrez MI, Ballesteros González D. [Oral allergy syndrome (OAS)]. REVISTA ALERGIA MÉXICO 2023; 70:306-312. [PMID: 38506877 DOI: 10.29262/ram.v70i4.1315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The pollen-food allergy syndrome, also known as oral allergy syndrome, is characterized by local reactions in the mouth and throat after consuming certain raw plant foods in individuals sensitized to pollen from grass, weeds, and trees. Birch-apple is the prototype of this syndrome, with apple, pear, and plum being the most commonly associated foods. Symptoms are usually limited to the oral cavity but can include systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Sensitization to pollen allergens, such as lipid transfer proteins, profilin, and PR-10 proteins, triggers this syndrome. Its prevalence varies by geographic region and the predominant pollen type, affecting between 30% and 60% of food allergies. Diagnosis involves a clinical history, skin tests, and, in ambiguous cases, double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenges. Treatment primarily involves avoiding trigger foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Isabel Rojo Gutiérrez
- Pediatra, Alergóloga e Inmunóloga; profesora de Alergia pediátrica, Facultad de Medicina; Presidenta electa de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Alergia, Asma e Inmunología (SLAAI) Montevideo,
| | - Diego Ballesteros González
- Médico Cirujano y Partero, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional; Aler-gólogo e inmunólogo clínico, Hospital Juárez de México, Ciudad de México
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Urrutia Pereira M, Solé D. [Food allergy and environmental contamination]. REVISTA ALERGIA MÉXICO 2023; 70:313-318. [PMID: 38506878 DOI: 10.29262/ram.v70i4.1342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between genetic potential and the environment, especially increased urbanization and inadequate waste management, contributes to the manifestation of allergic diseases. Pediatric patients are the most vulnerable, due to the immaturity of the respiratory and immune systems. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to air pollutants, both indoors and outdoors, accelerates or aggravates morbidity and mortality from allergic diseases. The "exposome," which encompasses all environmental exposures throughout life, influences health. Biological and chemical attacks alter the epithelial barrier, triggering inflammatory responses and favoring allergic diseases, such as food allergies. The uncontrolled use of toxic fuels, particulate matter, detergents and other factors contribute to the continuous deterioration of the intestinal epithelial barrier, increasing the risk of allergic diseases. It is important to take urgent action to address these issues and protect the health of the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Urrutia Pereira
- Pediatra, profesora adjunta de la disciplina de Pediatría, Universidad Federal de Pampa, Uruguaiana, Brasil. Coordinadora del Programa de Prevención del Asma Infantil (PIPA),
| | - Dirceu Solé
- Pediatra, Alergólogo e Inmunólogo; profesor titular de la disciplina de Alergia, Inmunología Clínica y Reumatología, Departamento de Pediatría, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brasil
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Picetti R, Juel R, Milner J, Bonell A, Karakas F, Dangour AD, Yeung S, Wilkinson P, Hughes R. Effects on child and adolescent health of climate change mitigation policies: A systematic review of modelling studies. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117102. [PMID: 37689334 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of modelling evidence that demonstrates the potential for immediate and substantial benefits to adult health from greenhouse gas mitigation actions, but the effects on the health of younger age groups is largely unknown. We conducted a systematic review to identify the available published evidence of the modelled effects on child and adolescent health (≤18 years of age) of greenhouse gas mitigation. We searched six databases of peer-reviewed studies published between January 1, 1990 and July 27, 2022, screened 27,282 original papers and included 23 eligible papers. All included studies were set in high- and middle-income countries; and all studies modelled the effects of interventions that could mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Most of the available evidence suggests positive benefits for child and adolescent respiratory health from greenhouse gas mitigation actions that simultaneously reduce air pollution (specifically PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide). We found scant evidence on child and adolescent health from regions more vulnerable to climate change, or on mitigation interventions that could affect exposures other than air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Picetti
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Rachel Juel
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - James Milner
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ana Bonell
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Filiz Karakas
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alan D Dangour
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Paul Wilkinson
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Robert Hughes
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centre for Maternal Adolescent Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Loechl CU, Datta-Mitra A, Fenlason L, Green R, Hackl L, Itzkowitz L, Koso-Thomas M, Moorthy D, Owino VO, Pachón H, Stoffel N, Zimmerman MB, Raiten DJ. Approaches to Address the Anemia Challenge. J Nutr 2023; 153 Suppl 1:S42-S59. [PMID: 37714779 PMCID: PMC10797550 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia is a multifactorial condition; approaches to address it must recognize that the causal factors represent an ecology consisting of internal (biology, genetics, and health) and external (social/behavioral/demographic and physical) environments. In this paper, we present an approach for selecting interventions, followed by a description of key issues related to the multiple available interventions for prevention and reduction of anemia. We address interventions for anemia using the following 2 main categories: 1) those that address nutrients alone, and, 2) those that address nonnutritional causes of anemia. The emphasis will be on interventions of public health relevance, but we also consider the clinical context. We also focus on interventions at different stages of the life course, with a particular focus on women of reproductive age and preschool-age children, and present evidence on various factors to consider when selecting an intervention-inflammation, genetic mutations, nutrient delivery, bioavailability, and safety. Each section on an intervention domain concludes with a brief discussion of key research areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia U Loechl
- Division of Human Health, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ananya Datta-Mitra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lindy Fenlason
- Bureau for Global Health, USAID, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Laura Hackl
- USAID Advancing Nutrition, John Snow Inc., Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Laura Itzkowitz
- Bureau for Global Health, USAID, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marion Koso-Thomas
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, Unites States
| | - Denish Moorthy
- USAID Advancing Nutrition, John Snow Inc., Arlington, VA, United States.
| | | | - Helena Pachón
- Food Fortification Initiative, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicole Stoffel
- Laboratory of Human Nutrition, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zu¨rich, Switzerland; MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael B Zimmerman
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel J Raiten
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, Unites States
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Morrison SA, Jurak G, Starc G, Kovač M, Golobič M, Pavletič Samardžija P, Gabrijelčič M, Kotnik P, Meh K, Primožič M, Sember V. Challenges of social change: The 2021 Republic of Slovenia report card on physical activity of children and adolescents. J Exerc Sci Fit 2023; 21:305-312. [PMID: 37520932 PMCID: PMC10372450 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2023.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Slovenian children are facing considerable health challenges from the rapid social changes that influence their opportunity to engage in daily physical activity. Objective To overlay the social changes to the established Report Card model as a means of contextualising the extreme changes in physical activity and fitness observed over several years. Methods Benchmarks were graded for 10 core indicators, plus two (Sleep, Seasonal Variations). Active Healthy Kids Slovenia members met (predominantly via zoom) liaising with team leader(s) on a flexible, individual basis, based on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) regulations, over the ∼2-year assessment period of the project. Data were separated to the years prior to, 'pre' 2018-2020, and 'during' the global pandemic (2020-2021). Where sufficient data existed for both timeframes, grades were averaged to produce an overall grade. Results Grade results are expressed as pre/during/final grade, where the final grade (bolded) is a straight average of the two preceding time epochs: Overall Physical Activity (A-/A-/A-), Organized Sport and Physical Activity (C+/C/C), Active Play (D/C+/C), Active Transport (C/INC/C), Sedentary Behaviour (B/C/C+), Physical Fitness (A+/A-/A), Family and Peers (B+/INC/B+), Schools (A/A/A), Community and Environment (A+/A+/A+), Government (A/F/D), Sleep (D-/INC/D-), Seasonal Variations (D/C-/D+). Conclusion Although Slovenia has some of the most consistently physically-active children in the world, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic exerted significant reductions in physical activity opportunities, and especially when coupled with funding re-distributions, resulted in the steepest decline of child physical fitness observed within the >35-year history of Slovenia's well-established national fitness surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawnda A. Morrison
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gregor Jurak
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Starc
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marjeta Kovač
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Golobič
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Primož Kotnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kaja Meh
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Vedrana Sember
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Wallerich L, Fillol A, Rivadeneyra A, Vandentorren S, Wittwer J, Cambon L. Environment and child well-being: A scoping review of reviews to guide policies. Health Promot Perspect 2023; 13:168-182. [PMID: 37808945 PMCID: PMC10558968 DOI: 10.34172/hpp.2023.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acting on social determinants is the most effective, efficient, and fairest strategy to improve population health and health equity. Because of their vulnerability and dependence, children are particularly exposed to the deleterious effects of their living environment. Taking these issues into account in the development of public policies and identifying levers for action are crucial. The objective of this scoping review of reviews is to identify the main environmental determinants on children's health and development, and their mechanisms of effect, to be addressed by public policies. Methods We conducted a scoping review of reviews in accordance with the method developed by Arksey and O'Malley, and Levac and colleagues' methodology advancement and the PRISMA guideline. Inclusion criteria were identified with the PICos (population-phenomena of interest-context-study design) framework. We used the PubMed database and conducted a thematic analyze. Results Forty-seven articles were selected. Their analysis allowed us to identify five categories of interdependent environmental determinants of child health: i) urban design ii) contaminants, iii) parenting environment, iv) social conditions, v) climate change. Together and in a systemic way, they act on the health of the child. Conclusion The review carried out allows us to propose a pragmatic framework for clarifying the effects of the physical, social, and economic environment on children's health and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Wallerich
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, Mérisp/PHARES, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, CIC 1401, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Amandine Fillol
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, Mérisp/PHARES, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, CIC 1401, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Ana Rivadeneyra
- Institute of Public Health, Epidemiology and Development, Bordeaux, France
- Equipe PHARes, Bordeaux Population Health, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stéphanie Vandentorren
- French Public Health Agency, F-94415 Saint-Maurice, France
- University of Bordeaux, Centre INSERM U1219 Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérôme Wittwer
- University of Bordeaux, Centre INSERM U1219 Bordeaux Population Health Research Center, Bordeaux, France
| | - Linda Cambon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, BPH, U1219, Mérisp/PHARES, Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, CIC 1401, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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Lee TT, Dalvie MA, Röösli M, Merten S, Kwiatkowski M, Mahomed H, Sweijd N, Cissé G. Understanding diarrhoeal diseases in response to climate variability and drought in Cape Town, South Africa: a mixed methods approach. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:76. [PMID: 37596648 PMCID: PMC10436439 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01127-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The climate of southern Africa is expected to become hotter and drier with more frequent severe droughts and the incidence of diarrhoea to increase. From 2015 to 2018, Cape Town, South Africa, experienced a severe drought which resulted in extreme water conservation efforts. We aimed to gain a more holistic understanding of the relationship between diarrhoea in young children and climate variability in a system stressed by water scarcity. METHODS Using a mixed-methods approach, we explored diarrhoeal disease incidence in children under 5 years between 2010 to 2019 in Cape Town, primarily in the public health system through routinely collected diarrhoeal incidence and weather station data. We developed a negative binomial regression model to understand the relationship between temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity on incidence of diarrhoea with dehydration. We conducted in-depth interviews with stakeholders in the fields of health, environment, and human development on perceptions around diarrhoea and health-related interventions both prior to and over the drought, and analysed them through the framework method. RESULTS From diarrhoeal incidence data, the diarrhoea with dehydration incidence decreased over the decade studied, e.g. reduction of 64.7% in 2019 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.5-7.2%] compared to 2010, with no increase during the severe drought period. Over the hot dry diarrhoeal season (November to May), the monthly diarrhoea with dehydration incidence increased by 7.4% (95% CI: 4.5-10.3%) per 1 °C increase in temperature and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7-3.5%) per 1% increase in relative humidity in the unlagged model. Stakeholder interviews found that extensive and sustained diarrhoeal interventions were perceived to be responsible for the overall reduction in diarrhoeal incidence and mortality over the prior decade. During the drought, as diarrhoeal interventions were maintained, the expected increase in incidence in the public health sector did not occur. CONCLUSIONS We found that that diarrhoeal incidence has decreased over the last decade and that incidence is strongly influenced by local temperature and humidity, particularly over the hot dry season. While climate change and extreme weather events especially stress systems supporting vulnerable populations such as young children, maintaining strong and consistent public health interventions helps to reduce negative health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Taylor Lee
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Martin Röösli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Merten
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marek Kwiatkowski
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hassan Mahomed
- Metro Health Services, Western Cape Government: Health and Wellness, Western Cape, South Africa
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Neville Sweijd
- Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Abstract
This Viewpoint discusses 2 new programs of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch that apply an ecological approach to understanding nutrition and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Raiten
- Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Andrew A Bremer
- Pediatric Growth and Nutrition Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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McDermott-Levy R, Pennea E, Moore C. Protecting Children's Health: Asthma and Climate Change. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:188-194. [PMID: 36943899 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Children are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Their lungs are developing, making children with asthma especially susceptible to temperature extremes, variations in precipitation, poor air quality, and changes in pollen and flora. Structural and social determinants of health, such as racism and poverty, that disproportionately affect children of color are linked to higher rates of asthma and negative effects of climate change. These factors lead to increased absences from school and social activities, loss of work for caregivers, and increased health care costs, thus negatively affecting children, their families, and the greater community. Nurses must support caregivers and children to link climate change to asthma care, be involved in health education; climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies; and develop the evidence to address climate change and asthma strategies. We address the impacts of climate change on children with asthma and nursing adaptation responses.
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Chalupka SM, Latter A, Trombley J. Climate and Environmental Change: A Generation at Risk. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:181-187. [PMID: 36943828 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Climate and environmental changes have been described as the biggest global health threat of the 21st century, with the potential to cause immediate harm in early life with important lifelong effects, and important consequences for future generations. Pregnant women and children are increasingly being recognized as vulnerable populations in the context of climate change. The effects can be direct or indirect through heat stress, extreme weather events, and air pollution, potentially affecting both the immediate and long-term health of pregnant women and newborns through a broad range of mechanisms. Climate and environmental changes have wide-ranging effects on a woman's reproductive life including sexual maturation and fertility, pregnancy outcomes, lactation, breastfeeding, and menopause. A comprehensive overview of these impacts is presented as well as opportunities for interventions for nurses practicing in perinatal, neonatal, midwifery, and pediatric specialties.
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Ayalon L, Roy S. The role of chronological age in climate change attitudes, feelings, and behavioral intentions: The case of null results. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286901. [PMID: 37342993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Past research has stressed the role of age and generation in climate change discourse, worries, and willingness to act. Therefore, the present paper aimed to examine the role of chronological age (as an arbitrary factor, which represents ageism) in lay people's climate change-related attitudes, feelings, and behavioral intentions. Two experiments in different countries, Australia and Israel, were conducted for this purpose. The first study examined the impact of the age of the speaker, who provides information about the climate crisis and the second examined the impact of the age of the group being blamed for the situation. Outcome variables included perceived responsibility and motivation for the current climate situation in study 1 and perceived climate change-related attitudes, feelings, and behavioral intentions in study 2. In study 1 (n = 250, Australia), the age of the speaker, a climate activist, varied randomly to test the hypothesis that a younger activist would be more influential and increase motivation and responsibility to act compared to an older activist. In study 2 (n = 179, Israel), the age (young vs. old) of the group identified as being responsible for the climate crisis varied randomly, to test the hypothesis that people would be more willing to identify older people as being responsible for the current climate situation, and this would impact climate change-related attitudes, feelings, and behavioral intentions. Both studies resulted in null effects. Additionally, there was no interaction between the age of the respondent and the age of the source of the message or the age group being blamed by the message. The present study has failed to show that strategies that emphasize intergenerational conflict and ageism impact people's attitudes, feelings, and behavioral intentions towards the current climate situation. This possibly can serve as an instigator for strategies that emphasize intergenerational solidarity, rather than conflict, as a guiding principle in future campaigns that advocate climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liat Ayalon
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Senjooti Roy
- Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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42
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Berger SE, Ordway MR, Schoneveld E, Lucchini M, Thakur S, Anders T, Natale L, Barnett N. The impact of extreme summer temperatures in the United Kingdom on infant sleep: Implications for learning and development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10061. [PMID: 37344536 PMCID: PMC10284886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37111-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Global Change Research Program reports that the frequency and intensity of extreme heat are increasing globally. Studies of the impact of climate change on child health often exclude sleep, despite its importance for healthy growth and development. To address this gap in the literature, we studied the impact of unusually high temperatures in the summer of 2022 on infants' sleep. Sleep was assessed objectively using Nanit camera monitors in infants' homes. Generally, sleep was not impacted when temperatures stayed below 88° but was negatively impacted when temperatures reached over 100°. Compared to non-heatwave nights, infants had less total sleep, less efficient sleep, took longer to fall asleep, had more fragmented sleep, and parents' visits were more frequent during the night. Following peaks in temperature, sleep metrics rebounded to better than average compared to non-peak nights, suggesting that infants compensated for disrupted sleep by sleeping more and with fewer interruptions once the temperature dropped below 85°. Increased instances of disrupted sleep in infancy have important implications for psychological health and development. Climate disruptions such as heat waves that create occasional or ongoing sleep disruptions can leave infants vulnerable and unprepared for learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Berger
- College of Staten Island and the Graduate Center of the City University New York, 2800 Victory Blvd., 4S-108, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA.
| | - Monica R Ordway
- Yale School of Nursing, Orange, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, USA
| | - Emiel Schoneveld
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Liza Natale
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, USA
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Lin LZ, Chen JH, Yu YJ, Dong GH. Ambient air pollution and infant health: a narrative review. EBioMedicine 2023:104609. [PMID: 37169689 PMCID: PMC10363448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The extensive evidence regarding the effects of ambient air pollution on child health is well documented, but limited review summarized their health effects during infancy. Symptoms or health conditions attributed to ambient air pollution in infancy could result in the progression of severe diseases during childhood. Here, we reviewed previous empirical epidemiological studies and/or reviews for evaluating the linkages between ambient air pollution and various infant outcomes including adverse birth outcomes, infant morbidity and mortality, early respiratory health, early allergic symptoms, early neurodevelopment, early infant growth and other relevant outcomes. Patterns of the associations varied by different pollutants (i.e., particles and gaseous pollutants), exposure periods (i.e., pregnancy and postpartum) and exposure lengths (i.e., long-term and short-term). Protection of infant health requires that paediatricians, researchers, and policy makers understand to what extent infants are affected by ambient air pollution, and a call for action is still necessary to reduce ambient air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin-Hui Chen
- School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; High-Tech Research and Development Center, Ministry of Science and Technology, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yun-Jiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, 510655, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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44
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Meka K, Jacob CM, Modi N, Bustreo F, Di Renzo GC, Malamitsi-Puchner A, Briana D, Iaia DG, Fogstad H, Tamvada JP, Moreno IO, Hanson M. Valuing maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health for societal progress - Going beyond the economic orthodoxy of gross domestic product. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:630-634. [PMID: 36656112 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM In view of the long-standing recognition that gross domestic product (GDP) does not capture the unremunerated work largely conducted by women upon which societal well-being depends, to discuss the implications for GDP of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (MNCAH), and its influences on health, well-being and prosperity across the life course and across generations. METHODS A wide-ranging discussion of the informal think-tank The Venice Forum was held over two days, with inputs from invited experts in person and online. RESULTS There was consensus that a strong case could be made for inclusion of unremunerated work largely conducted by women as a positive contribution to GDP in view of its impact on future health and prosperity, and conversely exclusion from GDP of outputs from industries which harm health. CONCLUSION Taken with the current challenges from COVID, climate change and conflict, there is a compelling need to redefine economic progress through equitable models and metrics that incorporate short-/medium-/long-term societal value of activities that improve MNCAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Meka
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Chandni M Jacob
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Neena Modi
- Section of Neonatal Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Flavia Bustreo
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Board, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gian Carlo Di Renzo
- Centre for Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, I.M. Sechenov First State University of Moscow, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ariadne Malamitsi-Puchner
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despina Briana
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 3rd Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Domenico G Iaia
- Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Helga Fogstad
- Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jagannadha P Tamvada
- Southampton Business School, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ivan Ochoa Moreno
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Hanson
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Southampton NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Stowell JD, Sun Y, Spangler KR, Milando CW, Bernstein A, Weinberger KR, Sun S, Wellenius GA. Warm-season temperatures and emergency department visits among children with health insurance. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, HEALTH : ERH 2023; 1:015002. [PMID: 36337257 PMCID: PMC9623446 DOI: 10.1088/2752-5309/ac78fa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
High ambient temperatures have become more likely due to climate change and are linked to higher rates of heat-related illness, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, and other diseases. To date, far fewer studies have examined the effects of high temperatures on children versus adults, and studies including children have seldom been conducted on a national scale. Compared to adults, children have behavioral and physiological differences that may give them differential heat vulnerability. We acquired medical claims data from a large database of commercially insured US children aged 0-17 from May to September (warm-season) 2016-2019. Daily maximum ambient temperature and daily mean relative humidity estimates were aggregated to the county level using the Parameter-elevation Relationships on Independent Slopes dataset, and extreme heat was defined as the 95th percentile of the county-specific daily maximum temperature distribution. Using a case-crossover design and temperature lags 0-5 days, we estimated the associations between extreme heat and cause-specific emergency department visits (ED) in children aged <18 years, using the median county-specific daily maximum temperature distribution as the reference. Approximately 1.2 million ED visits in children from 2489 US counties were available during the study period. The 95th percentile of warm-season temperatures ranged from 71 °F to 112 °F (21.7 °C to 44.4 °C). Comparing 95th to the 50th percentile, extreme heat was associated with higher rates of ED visits for heat-related illness; endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases; and otitis media and externa, but not for all-cause admissions. Subgroup analyses suggested differences by age, with extreme heat positively associated with heat-related illness for both the 6-12 year (odds ratio [OR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16, 1.56) and 13-17 year age groups (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.37, 1.76). Among children with health insurance across the US, days of extreme heat were associated with higher rates of healthcare utilization. These results highlight the importance of individual and population-level actions to protect children and adolescents from extreme heat, particularly in the context of continued climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Stowell
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yuantong Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Keith R Spangler
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Chad W Milando
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Optum Labs Visiting Scholar, Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America
| | - Aaron Bernstein
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Kate R Weinberger
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shengzhi Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Optum Labs Visiting Scholar, Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America
| | - Gregory A Wellenius
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Optum Labs Visiting Scholar, Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America
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Maessen SE, Taylor BJ, Gillon G, Moewaka Barnes H, Firestone R, Taylor RW, Milne B, Hetrick S, Cargo T, McNeil B, Cutfield W. A better start national science challenge: supporting the future wellbeing of our tamariki E tipu, e rea, mō ngā rā o tō ao: grow tender shoot for the days destined for you. J R Soc N Z 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2023.2173257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Maessen
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Barry J. Taylor
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Gail Gillon
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Child Well-being Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Helen Moewaka Barnes
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Whariki Research Group, SHORE and Whariki Research Centre, School of Public Health, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ridvan Firestone
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Research Centre for Hauora & Health, College of Health, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rachael W. Taylor
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Barry Milne
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre of Methods and Policy Application in Social Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hetrick
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania Cargo
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bridgid McNeil
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Child Well-being Research Institute, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- School of Teacher Education, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Wayne Cutfield
- A Better Start National Science Challenge, Auckland, New Zealand
- Liggins Institute, Auckland, New Zealand
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Kinder- und Jugendgesundheit in der Klimakrise. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01685-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
ZusammenfassungKinder und Jugendliche sind aufgrund ihrer Physiologie und längerer Expositionszeiten besonders von den gesundheitlichen Folgen der Klimakrise betroffen. Darüber hinaus wird die Klimakrise ohne Gegenmaßnahmen vorbestehende gesundheitliche Ungleichheiten verschärfen, da Kinder und Jugendliche aus Familien mit niedrigem sozioökonomischen Status und schlechterem Gesundheitszustand besonders stark von den gesundheitlichen Folgen der Klimakrise betroffen sind.Die Klimakrise wirkt sich über zahlreiche Mechanismen auf die Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen aus, wobei jedes Organsystem betroffen sein kann. Extremwetterereignisse gehen u. a. mit einem erhöhten Risiko für Hitzschläge, Elektrolytstörungen, Verletzungen und psychische Erkrankungen einher. Der Temperaturanstieg führt zu veränderten Ausbreitungsgebieten von Krankheitsvektoren, die u. a. die Erreger der Borreliose oder des West-Nil-Fiebers übertragen. Im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheit stehen Klimaangst und die psychischen Auswirkungen von Extremwetterereignissen im Vordergrund.Zahlreiche Maßnahmen in den Bereichen Klimaschutz und Klimafolgenanpassung haben zugleich positive Effekte auf die Gesundheit und werden daher als Win-Win-Lösungen bezeichnet (z. B. aktiver Transport, Ausweitung urbaner Grünflächen). Kinder- und Jugendärzt:innen können einen wichtigen Beitrag zu Prävention und adäquater Behandlung von klimawandelassoziierten Erkrankungen leisten, indem sie u. a. in U‑Untersuchungen Win-Win-Lösungen adressieren und klimawandelbedingte Belastungsfaktoren in der Anamnese berücksichtigen. Darüber hinaus können sie durch ihr Engagement in Organen der ärztlichen Selbstverwaltung (z. B. Etablierung nachhaltiger Anlagestrategien in ärztlichen Versorgungswerken) oder durch die Umsetzung von Maßnahmen in Gesundheitseinrichtungen aktiv zum Klimaschutz beitragen.
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Williams PCM, Beardsley J, Isaacs D, Preisz A, Marais BJ. The impact of climate change and biodiversity loss on the health of children: An ethical perspective. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1048317. [PMID: 36743159 PMCID: PMC9895790 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1048317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The reality of human induced climate change is no longer in doubt, but the concerted global action required to address this existential crisis remains inexcusably inert. Together with climate change, biodiversity collapse is increasingly driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, the consequences of which are inequitable globally. Climate change is regressive in its nature, with those least responsible for destroying planetary health at greatest risk of suffering the direct and indirect health consequences. Over half a billion of the world's children live in areas vulnerable to extreme weather events. Without immediate action, the health of today's children and future generations will be compromised. We consider the impact of biodiversity collapse on the spread of infectious diseases and outline a duty of care along a continuum of three dimensions of medical ethics. From a medical perspective, the first dimension requires doctors to serve the best interests of their individual patients. The second dimension considers the public health dimension with a focus on disease control and cost-effectiveness. The neglected third dimension considers our mutual obligation to the future health and wellbeing of children and generations to come. Given the adverse impact of our ecological footprint on current and future human health, we have a collective moral obligation to act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe C. M. Williams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
- School of Women and Children's Health, The University of NSW School of Women's and Children's Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Beardsley
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - David Isaacs
- Clinical Ethics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Preisz
- Clinical Ethics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben J. Marais
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID), The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
- Clinical Ethics, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Ethics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Augustin J, Andrees V, Walsh D, Reintjes R, Koller D. Spatial Aspects of Health-Developing a Conceptual Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1817. [PMID: 36767185 PMCID: PMC9914219 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies and models address the determinants of health. However, in existing models, the spatial aspects of the determinants are not or only marginally taken into account and a theoretical discussion of the association between space and the determinants of health is missing. The aim of this paper is to generate a framework that can be used to place the determinants of health in a spatial context. A screening of the current first serves to identify the relevant determinants and describes the current state of knowledge. In addition, spatial scales that are important for the spatial consideration of health were developed and discussed. Based on these two steps, the conceptual framework on the spatial determinants of health was derived and subsequently discussed. The results show a variety of determinants that are associated with health from a spatial point of view. The overarching categories are global driving forces, policy and governance, living and physical environment, socio-demographic and economic conditions, healthcare services and cultural and working conditions. Three spatial scales (macro, meso and micro) are further subdivided into six levels, such as global (e.g., continents), regional (e.g., council areas) or neighbourhood (e.g., communities). The combination of the determinants and spatial scales are presented within a conceptual framework as a result of this work. Operating mechanisms and pathways between the spatial levels were added schematically. This is the first conceptual framework that links the determinants of health with the spatial perspective. It can form the working basis for future analyses in which spatial aspects of health are taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobst Augustin
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Valerie Andrees
- Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing (IVDP), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - David Walsh
- Glasgow Centre for Population Health, Glasgow G40 2QH, UK
| | - Ralf Reintjes
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 20999 Hamburg, Germany
- Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33100 Tampere, Finland
| | - Daniela Koller
- IBE—Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Hitzebelastung bei Kindern. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01682-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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