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Bhandari D, Bi P, Craig JM, Robinson E, Pollock W, Lokmic-Tomkins Z. Mobilising and evaluating existing heat adaptation measures to protect maternal and child health. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e424-e425. [PMID: 38969467 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00113-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhandari
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Health and Climate Initiative, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- IMPACT-Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne and Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eddie Robinson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Wendy Pollock
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; Health and Climate Initiative, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Borghi J, Cuevas Garcia-Dorado S, Anton B, Gerardo D, Gasparri G, Hanson M, Soucat A, Bustreo F, Langlois EV. Climate finance opportunities for health and health systems. Bull World Health Organ 2024; 102:330-335. [PMID: 38680468 PMCID: PMC11046152 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.290785] [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] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change poses significant risks to health and health systems, with the greatest impacts in low- and middle-income countries - which are least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. The Conference of Parties 28 at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference led to agreement on the need for holistic and equitable financing approaches to address the climate and health crisis. This paper provides an overview of existing climate finance mechanisms - that is, multilateral funds, voluntary market-based mechanisms, taxes, microlevies and adaptive social protection. We discuss these approaches' potential use to promote health, generate additional health sector resources and enhance health system sustainability and resilience, and also explore implementation challenges. We suggest that public health practitioners, policy-makers and researchers seize the opportunity to leverage climate funding for better health and sustainable, climate-resilient health systems. Emphasizing the wider benefits of investing in health for the economy can help prioritize health within climate finance initiatives. Meaningful progress will require the global community acknowledging the underlying political economy challenges that have so far limited the potential of climate finance to address health goals. To address these challenges, we need to restructure financing institutions to empower communities at the frontline of the climate and health crisis and ensure their needs are met. Efforts from global and national level stakeholders should focus on mobilizing a wide range of funding sources, prioritizing co-design and accessibility of financing arrangements. These stakeholders should also invest in rigorous monitoring and evaluation of initiatives to ensure relevant health and well-being outcomes are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Borghi
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, LondonWC1E 7HT, England
| | | | - Blanca Anton
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, LondonWC1E 7HT, England
| | - Domenico Gerardo
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Gasparri
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mark Hanson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, England
| | - Agnès Soucat
- Agence Française de Développement, Paris, France
| | | | - Etienne V Langlois
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Anton B, Cuevas S, Hanson M, Bhutta ZA, Langlois EV, Iaia DG, Gasparri G, Borghi J. Opportunities and challenges for financing women's, children's and adolescents' health in the context of climate change. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014596. [PMID: 38677778 PMCID: PMC11057322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014596] [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: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Women, children and adolescents (WCA), especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), will bear the worst consequences of climate change during their lifetimes, despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in WCA can address these inequities in climate risk, as well as generating large health, economic, social and environmental gains. However, women's, children's and adolescents' health (WCAH) is currently not mainstreamed in climate policies and financing. There is also a need to consider new and innovative financing arrangements that support WCAH alongside climate goals.We provide an overview of the threats climate change represents for WCA, including the most vulnerable communities, and where health and climate investments should focus. We draw on evidence to explore the opportunities and challenges for health financing, climate finance and co-financing schemes to enhance equity and protect WCAH while supporting climate goals.WCA face threats from the rising burden of ill-health and healthcare demand, coupled with constraints to healthcare provision, impacting access to essential WCAH services and rising out-of-pocket payments for healthcare. Climate change also impacts on the economic context and livelihoods of WCA, increasing the risk of displacement and migration. These impacts require additional resources to support WCAH service delivery, to ensure continuity of care and protect households from the costs of care and enhance resilience. We identify a range of financing solutions, including leveraging climate finance for WCAH, adaptive social protection for health and adaptations to purchasing to promote climate action and support WCAH care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Anton
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Soledad Cuevas
- Instituto de Economía, Geografía y Demografía, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mark Hanson
- Institute of Developmental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Etienne V Langlois
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Gerardo Iaia
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Gasparri
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Borghi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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LaPointe S, Mendola P, Lin S, Tian L, Bonell A, Adamba C, Palermo T. Impact of cash transfers on the association between prenatal exposures to high temperatures and low birthweight: Retrospective analysis from the LEAP 1000 study. BJOG 2024; 131:641-650. [PMID: 38238994 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17761] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between prenatal temperature exposures and low birthweight (LBW) and modification by cash transfer (CT) receipt. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Five rural districts in Northern Ghana. POPULATION OR SAMPLE A total of 3016 infants born to women interviewed as part of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP 1000) impact evaluation between 2015 and 2017. METHODS Birthweight was collected using household surveys administered to LEAP 1000 eligible women. We used a UNICEF-developed multiple imputation approach to address missingness of birthweight and applied an empirical heaping correction to the multiply imputed birthweight data. Survey data were linked to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis 5-hourly temperature averaged to weeks for 2011-2017 using community centroids. Using distributed-lag nonlinear models, we explored the lag-specific associations between weekly average temperatures greater than 30°C and LBW, and stratified by LEAP 1000 treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Low birthweight (<2.5 kg). RESULTS Twelve percent (n = 365) of infants were LBW; the mean ± SD birthweight was 3.02 ± 0.37 kg. Overall, increasing temperatures were associated with increased odds of LBW, with the greatest odds observed in the 3 weeks before birth (odds ratio 1.005-1.025). These positive associations were even larger among comparison infants and null among treatment infants. CONCLUSIONS Our study found increased odds of LBW with high weekly average temperatures throughout pregnancy and the preconception period and demonstrate mitigated effects by the LEAP 1000 CT program. More evidence on the potential of CTs to serve as adaptation interventions in low- and middle-income countries is needed to protect pregnant persons and their infants from the impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Pauline Mendola
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Lili Tian
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ana Bonell
- Medical Research Council Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul, The Gambia
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clement Adamba
- School of Education and Leadership, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tia Palermo
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Pega F, Pabayo R, Benny C, Lee EY, Lhachimi SK, Liu SY. Unconditional cash transfers for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities: effect on use of health services and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 3:CD011135. [PMID: 35348196 PMCID: PMC8962215 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011135.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unconditional cash transfers (UCTs; provided without obligation) for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities (e.g. orphanhood, old age, or HIV infection) are a social protection intervention addressing a key social determinant of health (income) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The relative effectiveness of UCTs compared with conditional cash transfers (CCTs; provided only if recipients follow prescribed behaviours, e.g. use a health service or attend school) is unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of UCTs on health services use and health outcomes in children and adults in LMICs. Secondary objectives are to assess the effects of UCTs on social determinants of health and healthcare expenditure, and to compare the effects of UCTs versus CCTs. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched 15 electronic academic databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EconLit, in September 2021. We also searched four electronic grey literature databases, websites of key organisations and reference lists of previous systematic reviews, key journals and included study records. SELECTION CRITERIA We included both parallel-group and cluster-randomised controlled trials (C-RCTs), quasi-RCTs, cohort studies, controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time series studies of UCT interventions in children (0 to 17 years) and adults (≥ 18 years) in LMICs. Comparison groups received either no UCT, a smaller UCT or a CCT. Our primary outcomes were any health services use or health outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened potentially relevant records for inclusion, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We obtained missing data from study authors if feasible. For C-RCTs, we generally calculated risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes from crude frequency measures in approximately correct analyses. Meta-analyses applied the inverse variance or Mantel-Haenszel method using a random-effects model. Where meta-analysis was impossible, we synthesised results using vote counting based on effect direction. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We included 34 studies (25 studies of 20 C-RCTs, six CBAs, and three cohort studies) involving 1,140,385 participants (45,538 children, 1,094,847 adults) and 50,095 households in Africa, the Americas and South-East Asia in our meta-analyses and narrative syntheses. These analysed 29 independent data sets. The 24 UCTs identified, including one basic universal income intervention, were pilot or established government programmes or research experiments. The cash value was equivalent to 1.3% to 81.9% of the annualised gross domestic product per capita. All studies compared a UCT with no UCT; three studies also compared a UCT with a CCT. Most studies carried an overall high risk of bias (i.e. often selection or performance bias, or both). Most studies were funded by national governments or international organisations, or both. Throughout the review, we use the words 'probably' to indicate moderate-certainty evidence, 'may/maybe' for low-certainty evidence, and 'uncertain' for very low-certainty evidence. Health services use We assumed greater use of any health services to be beneficial. UCTs may not have impacted the likelihood of having used any health service in the previous 1 to 12 months, when participants were followed up between 12 and 24 months into the intervention (risk ratio (RR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.09; I2 = 2%; 5 C-RCTs, 4972 participants; low-certainty evidence). Health outcomes At one to two years, UCTs probably led to a clinically meaningful, very large reduction in the likelihood of having had any illness in the previous two weeks to three months (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.92; I2 = 53%; 6 C-RCTs, 9367 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). UCTs may have increased the likelihood of having been food secure over the previous month, at 13 to 36 months into the intervention (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.45; I2 = 85%; 5 C-RCTs, 2687 participants; low-certainty evidence). UCTs may have increased participants' level of dietary diversity over the previous week, when assessed with the Household Dietary Diversity Score and followed up 24 months into the intervention (mean difference (MD) 0.59 food categories, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.01; I2 = 79%; 4 C-RCTs, 9347 participants; low-certainty evidence). Despite several studies providing relevant evidence, the effects of UCTs on the likelihood of being moderately stunted and on the level of depression remain uncertain. We found no study on the effect of UCTs on mortality risk. Social determinants of health UCTs probably led to a clinically meaningful, moderate increase in the likelihood of currently attending school, when assessed at 12 to 24 months into the intervention (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09; I2 = 0%; 8 C-RCTs, 7136 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). UCTs may have reduced the likelihood of households being extremely poor, at 12 to 36 months into the intervention (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97; I2 = 63%; 6 C-RCTs, 3805 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence was uncertain for whether UCTs impacted livestock ownership, participation in labour, and parenting quality. Healthcare expenditure Evidence from eight cluster-RCTs on healthcare expenditure was too inconsistent to be combined in a meta-analysis, but it suggested that UCTs may have increased the amount of money spent on health care at 7 to 36 months into the intervention (low-certainty evidence). Equity, harms and comparison with CCTs The effects of UCTs on health equity (or unfair and remedial health inequalities) were very uncertain. We did not identify any harms from UCTs. Three cluster-RCTs compared UCTs versus CCTs with regard to the likelihood of having used any health services or had any illness, or the level of dietary diversity, but evidence was limited to one study per outcome and was very uncertain for all three. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This body of evidence suggests that unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) may not impact a summary measure of health service use in children and adults in LMICs. However, UCTs probably or may improve some health outcomes (i.e. the likelihood of having had any illness, the likelihood of having been food secure, and the level of dietary diversity), two social determinants of health (i.e. the likelihoods of attending school and being extremely poor), and healthcare expenditure. The evidence on the relative effectiveness of UCTs and CCTs remains very uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Pega
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Roman Pabayo
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Claire Benny
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Research Group for Evidence-Based Public Health, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sze Yan Liu
- Public Health, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
- Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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McElroy S, Ilango S, Dimitrova A, Gershunov A, Benmarhnia T. Extreme heat, preterm birth, and stillbirth: A global analysis across 14 lower-middle income countries. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106902. [PMID: 34627013 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Stillbirths and complications from preterm birth are two of the leading causes of neonatal deaths across the globe. Lower- to middle-income countries (LMICs) are experiencing some of the highest rates of these adverse birth outcomes. Research has suggested that environmental determinants, such as extreme heat, can increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Under climate change, extreme heat events have become more severe and frequent and are occurring in differential seasonal patterns. Little is known about how extreme heat affects the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth in LMICs. Thus, it is imperative to examine how exposure to extreme heat affects adverse birth outcomes in regions with some of the highest rates of preterm and stillbirths. Most of the evidence linking extreme heat and adverse birth outcomes has been generated from high-income countries (HICs) notably because measuring temperature in LMICs has proven challenging due to the scarcity of ground monitors. The paucity of health data has been an additional obstacle to study this relationship in LMICs. In this study, globally gridded meteorological data was linked with spatially and temporally resolved Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data on adverse birth outcomes. A global analysis of 14 LMICs was conducted per a pooled time-stratified case-crossover design with distributed-lag nonlinear models to ascertain the relationship between acute exposure to extreme heat and PTB and stillbirths. We notably found that experiencing higher maximum temperatures and smaller diurnal temperature range during the last week before birth increased the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. This study is the first global assessment of extreme heat events and adverse birth outcomes and builds the evidence base for LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara McElroy
- University of California, San Diego-Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, United States; San Diego State University, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, United States.
| | - Sindana Ilango
- University of California, San Diego-Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, United States; San Diego State University, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, United States; University of Washington, United States
| | - Anna Dimitrova
- University of California, San Diego-Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, United States; San Diego State University, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, United States
| | - Alexander Gershunov
- University of California, San Diego-Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, United States; San Diego State University, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, United States
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- University of California, San Diego-Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, United States; San Diego State University, United States; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, United States
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van Daalen KR, Dada S, James R, Ashworth HC, Khorsand P, Lim J, Mooney C, Khankan Y, Essar MY, Kuhn I, Juillard H, Blanchet K. Impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfers on health outcomes and use of health services in humanitarian settings: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e007902. [PMID: 35078813 PMCID: PMC8796230 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cash transfers, payments provided by formal or informal institutions to recipients, are increasingly used in emergencies. While increasing autonomy and being supportive of local economies, cash transfers are a cost-effective method in some settings to cover basic needs and extend benefits of limited humanitarian aid budgets. Yet, the extent to which cash transfers impact health in humanitarian settings remains largely unexplored. This systematic review evaluates the evidence on the effect of cash transfers on health outcomes and health service utilisation in humanitarian contexts. METHODS Studies eligible for inclusion were peer reviewed (quantitative,qualitative and mixed-methods). Nine databases (PubMed, EMBAS, Medline, CINAHL, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, SciELO and LiLACS) were searched without language and without a lower bound time restriction through 24 February 2021. The search was updated to include articles published through 8 December 2021. Data were extracted using a piloted extraction tool and quality was assessed using The Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal Tool. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes, results were synthesised narratively and no meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS 30 673 records were identified. After removing duplicates, 17 715 were double screened by abstract and title, and 201 in full text. Twenty-three articles from 16 countries were included reporting on nutrition outcomes, psychosocial and mental health, general/subjective health and well-being, acute illness (eg, diarrhoea, respiratory infection), diabetes control (eg, blood glucose self-monitoring, haemoglobin A1C levels) and gender-based violence. Nineteen studies reported some positive impacts on various health outcomes and use of health services, 11 reported no statistically significant impact on outcomes assessed and 4 reported potential negative impacts on health outcomes. DISCUSSION Although there is evidence to suggest a positive relationship between cash transfers and health outcomes in humanitarian settings, high-quality empirical evidence, that is methodologically robust, investigates a range of humanitarian settings and is conducted over longer time periods is needed. This should consider factors influencing programme implementation and the differential impact of cash transfers designed to improve health versus multipurpose cash transfers. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021237275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Robin van Daalen
- Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Dada
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosemary James
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | | | | | - Jiewon Lim
- School of Medicine, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Ciaran Mooney
- Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, Belfast, Antrim, UK
| | - Yasmeen Khankan
- Department of Biology, Siena Heights University, Adrian, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Helene Juillard
- Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies, University of Geneva, Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl Blanchet
- Global Health Development, University of Geneva Faculty of Medicine, Geneve, Switzerland
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Green H, Bailey J, Schwarz L, Vanos J, Ebi K, Benmarhnia T. Impact of heat on mortality and morbidity in low and middle income countries: A review of the epidemiological evidence and considerations for future research. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:80-91. [PMID: 30660921 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Heat waves and high air temperature are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. However, the majority of research conducted on this topic is focused on high income areas of the world. Although heat waves have the most severe impacts on vulnerable populations, relatively few studies have studied their impacts in low and middle income countries (LMICs). The aim of this paper is to review the existing evidence in the literature on the impact of heat on human health in LMICs. We identified peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies published in English between January 1980 and August 2018 investigating potential associations between high ambient temperature or heat waves and mortality or morbidity. We selected studies according to the following criteria: quantitative studies that used primary and/or secondary data and report effect estimates where ambient temperature or heat waves are the main exposure of interest in relation to human morbidity or mortality within LMICs. Of the total 146 studies selected, eighty-two were conducted in China, nine in other countries of East Asia and the Pacific, twelve in South Asia, ten in Sub-Saharan Africa, eight in the Middle East and North Africa, and seven in each of Latin America and Europe. The majority of studies (92.9%) found positive associations between heat and human morbidity/mortality. Additionally, while outcome variables and study design differed greatly, most utilized a time-series study design and examined overall heath related morbidity/mortality impacts in an entire population, although it is notable that the selected studies generally found that the elderly, women, and individuals within the low socioeconomic brackets were the most vulnerable to the effects of high temperature. By highlighting the existing evidence on the impact of extreme heat on health in LMICs, we hope to determine data needs and help direct future studies in addressing this knowledge gap. The focus on LMICs is justified by the lack of studies and data studying the health burden of higher temperatures in these regions even though LMICs have a lower capacity to adapt to high temperatures and thus an increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Green
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093 CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Bailey
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lara Schwarz
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093 CA, USA; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Vanos
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093 CA, USA; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kristie Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, 92093 CA, USA; Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Pega F, Liu SY, Walter S, Pabayo R, Saith R, Lhachimi SK. Unconditional cash transfers for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities: effect on use of health services and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 11:CD011135. [PMID: 29139110 PMCID: PMC6486161 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011135.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unconditional cash transfers (UCTs; provided without obligation) for reducing poverty and vulnerabilities (e.g. orphanhood, old age or HIV infection) are a type of social protection intervention that addresses a key social determinant of health (income) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The relative effectiveness of UCTs compared with conditional cash transfers (CCTs; provided so long as the recipient engages in prescribed behaviours such as using a health service or attending school) is unknown. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of UCTs for improving health services use and health outcomes in vulnerable children and adults in LMICs. Secondary objectives are to assess the effects of UCTs on social determinants of health and healthcare expenditure and to compare to effects of UCTs versus CCTs. SEARCH METHODS We searched 17 electronic academic databases, including the Cochrane Public Health Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (the Cochrane Library 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE and Embase, in May 2017. We also searched six electronic grey literature databases and websites of key organisations, handsearched key journals and included records, and sought expert advice. SELECTION CRITERIA We included both parallel group and cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, cohort and controlled before-and-after (CBAs) studies, and interrupted time series studies of UCT interventions in children (0 to 17 years) and adults (18 years or older) in LMICs. Comparison groups received either no UCT or a smaller UCT. Our primary outcomes were any health services use or health outcome. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently screened potentially relevant records for inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. We tried to obtain missing data from study authors if feasible. For cluster-RCTs, we generally calculated risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes from crude frequency measures in approximately correct analyses. Meta-analyses applied the inverse variance or Mantel-Haenszel method with random effects. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 21 studies (16 cluster-RCTs, 4 CBAs and 1 cohort study) involving 1,092,877 participants (36,068 children and 1,056,809 adults) and 31,865 households in Africa, the Americas and South-East Asia in our meta-analyses and narrative synthesis. The 17 types of UCTs we identified, including one basic universal income intervention, were pilot or established government programmes or research experiments. The cash value was equivalent to 1.3% to 53.9% of the annualised gross domestic product per capita. All studies compared a UCT with no UCT, and three studies also compared a UCT with a CCT. Most studies carried an overall high risk of bias (i.e. often selection and/or performance bias). Most studies were funded by national governments and/or international organisations.Throughout the review, we use the words 'probably' to indicate moderate-quality evidence, 'may/maybe' for low-quality evidence, and 'uncertain' for very low-quality evidence. UCTs may not have impacted the likelihood of having used any health service in the previous 1 to 12 months, when participants were followed up between 12 and 24 months into the intervention (risk ratio (RR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.09, P = 0.07, 5 cluster-RCTs, N = 4972, I² = 2%, low-quality evidence). At one to two years, UCTs probably led to a clinically meaningful, very large reduction in the likelihood of having had any illness in the previous two weeks to three months (odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.93, 5 cluster-RCTs, N = 8446, I² = 57%, moderate-quality evidence). Evidence from five cluster-RCTs on food security was too inconsistent to be combined in a meta-analysis, but it suggested that at 13 to 24 months' follow-up, UCTs could increase the likelihood of having been food secure over the previous month (low-quality evidence). UCTs may have increased participants' level of dietary diversity over the previous week, when assessed with the Household Dietary Diversity Score and followed up 24 months into the intervention (mean difference (MD) 0.59 food categories, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.01, 4 cluster-RCTs, N = 9347, I² = 79%, low-quality evidence). Despite several studies providing relevant evidence, the effects of UCTs on the likelihood of being moderately stunted and on the level of depression remain uncertain. No evidence was available on the effect of a UCT on the likelihood of having died. UCTs probably led to a clinically meaningful, moderate increase in the likelihood of currently attending school, when assessed at 12 to 24 months into the intervention (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.09, 6 cluster-RCTs, N = 4800, I² = 0%, moderate-quality evidence). The evidence was uncertain for whether UCTs impacted livestock ownership, extreme poverty, participation in child labour, adult employment or parenting quality. Evidence from six cluster-RCTs on healthcare expenditure was too inconsistent to be combined in a meta-analysis, but it suggested that UCTs may have increased the amount of money spent on health care at 7 to 24 months into the intervention (low-quality evidence). The effects of UCTs on health equity (or unfair and remedial health inequalities) were very uncertain. We did not identify any harms from UCTs. Three cluster-RCTs compared UCTs versus CCTs with regard to the likelihood of having used any health services, the likelihood of having had any illness or the level of dietary diversity, but evidence was limited to one study per outcome and was very uncertain for all three. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This body of evidence suggests that unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) may not impact a summary measure of health service use in children and adults in LMICs. However, UCTs probably or may improve some health outcomes (i.e. the likelihood of having had any illness, the likelihood of having been food secure, and the level of dietary diversity), one social determinant of health (i.e. the likelihood of attending school), and healthcare expenditure. The evidence on the relative effectiveness of UCTs and CCTs remains very uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Pega
- University of OtagoPublic Health23A Mein Street, NewtownWellingtonNew Zealand6242
| | - Sze Yan Liu
- Harvard UniversityHarvard Center for Population and Development StudiesCambridgeMAUSA
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell UniversityHealthcare Policy and ResearchNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Stefan Walter
- University of California, San FranciscoEpidemiology and Biostatistics185 Berry StSan FranciscoCAUSA94107
| | - Roman Pabayo
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public HealthSocial and Behavioral Sciences677 Huntington AvenueBostonMAUSA02215
- University of AlbertaSchool of Public HealthEdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Ruhi Saith
- New DelhiOxford Policy ManagementNew DelhiIndia
| | - Stefan K Lhachimi
- Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and EpidemiologyResearch Group for Evidence‐Based Public HealthAchterstr. 30BremenGermany28359
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Cumulative receipt of an anti-poverty tax credit for families did not impact tobacco smoking among parents. Soc Sci Med 2017; 179:160-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Wild V, Pratt B. Health incentive research and social justice: does the risk of long term harms to systematically disadvantaged groups bear consideration? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2017; 43:150-156. [PMID: 27738256 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2015-103332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ethics of health incentive research-a form of public health research-are not well developed, and concerns of justice have been least examined. In this paper, we explore what potential long term harms in relation to justice may occur as a result of such research and whether they should be considered as part of its ethical evaluation. 'Long term harms' are defined as harms that contribute to existing systematic patterns of disadvantage for groups. Their effects are experienced on a long term basis, persisting even once an incentive research project ends. We will first establish that three categories of such harms potentially arise as a result of health incentive interventions. We then argue that the risk of these harms also constitutes a morally relevant consideration for health incentive research and suggest who may be responsible for assessing and mitigating these risks. We propose that responsibility should be assigned on the basis of who initiates health incentive research projects. Finally, we briefly describe possible strategies to prevent or mitigate the risk of long term harms to members of disadvantaged groups, which can be employed during the design, conduct and dissemination of research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verina Wild
- Department of Philosophy, LMU, University of Munich, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bridget Pratt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
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Pega F, Blakely T, Glymour MM, Carter KN, Kawachi I. Using Marginal Structural Modeling to Estimate the Cumulative Impact of an Unconditional Tax Credit on Self-Rated Health. Am J Epidemiol 2016; 183:315-24. [PMID: 26803908 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous studies, researchers estimated short-term relationships between financial credits and health outcomes using conventional regression analyses, but they did not account for time-varying confounders affected by prior treatment (CAPTs) or the credits' cumulative impacts over time. In this study, we examined the association between total number of years of receiving New Zealand's Family Tax Credit (FTC) and self-rated health (SRH) in 6,900 working-age parents using 7 waves of New Zealand longitudinal data (2002-2009). We conducted conventional linear regression analyses, both unadjusted and adjusted for time-invariant and time-varying confounders measured at baseline, and fitted marginal structural models (MSMs) that more fully adjusted for confounders, including CAPTs. Of all participants, 5.1%-6.8% received the FTC for 1-3 years and 1.8%-3.6% for 4-7 years. In unadjusted and adjusted conventional regression analyses, each additional year of receiving the FTC was associated with 0.033 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.047, -0.019) and 0.026 (95% CI: -0.041, -0.010) units worse SRH (on a 5-unit scale). In the MSMs, the average causal treatment effect also reflected a small decrease in SRH (unstabilized weights: β = -0.039 unit, 95% CI: -0.058, -0.020; stabilized weights: β = -0.031 unit, 95% CI: -0.050, -0.007). Cumulatively receiving the FTC marginally reduced SRH. Conventional regression analyses and MSMs produced similar estimates, suggesting little bias from CAPTs.
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