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AYTA S. The Effect of Air Pollution and Climate Change on Sleep. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2024; 61:73-76. [PMID: 38496226 PMCID: PMC10943933 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Research has shown that air pollution and climate change affect both the duration and quality of sleep; threatens physical and mental health especially through respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems; and shortens life expectancy. This review will begin with overall information on air pollution, climate change and sleep. Then, it will proceed with the effects of these two environmental issues on sleep, in the light of previous research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semih AYTA
- Spastic Children’s Foundation of Turkey, Consultant Neurologist, İstanbul, Turkey Right to Clean Air Platform - Turkish Neurological Society Representative, Ankara, Turkey
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Bhandari D, Bi P, Sherchand JB, von Ehrenstein OS, Lokmic-Tomkins Z, Dhimal M, Hanson-Easey S. Climate change and infectious disease surveillance in Nepal: qualitative study exploring social, cultural, political and institutional factors influencing disease surveillance. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024; 46:30-40. [PMID: 37955595 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the impacts of contextual issues encompassing social, cultural, political and institutional elements, on the operation of public health surveillance systems in Nepal concerning the monitoring of infectious diseases in the face of a changing climate. METHODS Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted amongst key informants from the Department of Health Services, Health Information Management System, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, World Health Organization, and experts working on infectious disease and climate change in Nepal, and data were analysed using thematic analysis technique. RESULTS Analysis explicates how climate change is constructed as a contingent risk for infectious diseases transmission and public health systems, and treated less seriously than other 'salient' public health risks, having implications for how resources are allocated. Further, analysis suggests a weak alliance among different stakeholders, particularly policy makers and evidence generators, resulting in the continuation of traditional practices of infectious diseases surveillance without consideration of the impacts of climate change. CONCLUSIONS We argue that along with strengthening systemic issues (epidemiological capacity, data quality and inter-sectoral collaboration), it is necessary to build a stronger political commitment to urgently address the influence of climate change as a present and exponential risk factor in the spread of infectious disease in Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bhandari
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University,Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peng Bi
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jeevan Bahadur Sherchand
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health Research Laboratory, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Ondine S von Ehrenstein
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zerina Lokmic-Tomkins
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University,Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Meghnath Dhimal
- Department of Research, Nepal Health Research Council, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
| | - Scott Hanson-Easey
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Shrikhande S, Merten S, Cambaco O, Lee TT, Lakshmanasamy R, Röösli M, Dalvie MA, Utzinger J, Cissé G. Barriers to climate change and health research in India: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073381. [PMID: 37821134 PMCID: PMC10582851 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073381] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Almost a quarter of the global burden of disease and mortalities is attributable to environmental causes, the magnitude of which is projected to increase in the near future. However, in many low- and middle-income settings, there remains a large gap in the synthesis of evidence on climate-sensitive health outcomes. In India, now the world's most populous country, little remains known about the impacts of climate change on various health outcomes. The objective of this study is to better understand the challenges faced in conducting climate change and health research in Puducherry, India. DESIGN AND SETTING In this study, we employed key informant interviews to deepen the understanding of the perceived research barriers in Puducherry. The findings were analysed using data-driven qualitative thematic analysis to elaborate the major perceived barriers to conducting environmental health research. PARTICIPANTS This study was conducted among 16 public health professionals, including medical researchers, and professionals involved in environmental policies and planning in Puducherry. RESULTS We identify three key barriers faced by public health professionals as key stakeholders, namely: (1) political and institutional barriers; (2) education and awareness barriers; and (3) technical research barriers. We show there is a need, from the professionals' perspective, to improve community and political awareness on climate change and health; strengthen technical research capacity and collaboration among researchers; and strengthen health surveillance, resource allocation and access to health data for research. CONCLUSION Evidence informed policies and interventions are a key element in the adaptation response for countries. In the context of the paucity of data on environmental health from India, despite recognised climate change related health vulnerabilities, these findings could contribute to the development and improvement of relevant interventions conducive to a strong research environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Shrikhande
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Merten
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olga Cambaco
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Manhiça Health Research Centre, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Tristan T Lee
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ravivarman Lakshmanasamy
- Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Goverment of Puducherry, Puducherry, India
- Non-communicable Diseases Team, World Health Organization Country Office for India, New Delhi, India
| | - Martin Röösli
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mohammad Aqiel Dalvie
- Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Guéladio Cissé
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Jamalishahni T, Turrell G, Foster S, Davern M, Villanueva K. Neighbourhood socio-economic disadvantage and loneliness: the contribution of green space quantity and quality. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:598. [PMID: 36997909 PMCID: PMC10061840 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15433-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Disadvantaged areas experience higher levels of loneliness than advantaged areas, though studies rarely identify environmental determinants of neighbourhood inequity in loneliness. We studied the contribution of the quantity and quality of green space to neighbourhood inequity in loneliness in three buffer sizes (400 m, 800 m, 1600 m), using cross-sectional data from 3778 individuals aged 48-77 years old living in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Levels of loneliness were significantly higher in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, and these neighbourhoods had less green space and less access to quality green space. However, there was no evidence that neighbourhood disparities in green space contributed to the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and loneliness. Possible methodological and substantive reasons for this result are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Jamalishahni
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Gavin Turrell
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Sarah Foster
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Melanie Davern
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Global and Population Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Karen Villanueva
- Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Policy and Equity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Han SR, Wei M, Wu Z, Duan S, Chen X, Yang J, Borg MA, Lin J, Wu C, Xiang J. Perceptions of workplace heat exposure and adaption behaviors among Chinese construction workers in the context of climate change. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2160. [PMID: 34819067 PMCID: PMC8612823 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Workplace heat exposure can cause a series of heat-related illnesses and injuries. Protecting workers especially those undertake work outdoors from the risk of heat strain is a great challenge for many workplaces in China under the context of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the perceptions and adaptation behaviors of heat exposure among construction workers and to provide evidence for the development of targeted heat adaptation strategies nationally and internationally. Methods In 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire survey via WeChat Survey Star in China, using a purposive snowball sampling approach. A total of 326 construction workers submitted completed questionnaires. The perceptions of workplace heat exposure were measured using seven indicators: concerns over high temperature, perception of high temperature injury, attitudes towards both heat-related training and regulations, adjustment of working habits during heat, heat prevention measures in the workplace, and reduction of work efficiency. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify the factors significantly associated with workers’ heat perceptions and behavioral responses. Results 33.3% of the respondents were moderately or very concerned about heat exposure in the workplace. Less than half of the workers (43.8%) were worried about heat-related injuries. Workers who have either experienced work-related injuries (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03–1.62) or witnessed injuries to others during high temperatures (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02–1.27) were more concerned about heat exposure compared to other workers. Most respondents (63.5%) stated that their work efficiency declined during extremely hot weather. The factors significantly associated with a reduction of work efficiency included undertaking physically demanding jobs (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.07–1.54) and witnessing other workers’ injuries during high temperatures (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.11–1.43). More than half of the workers were willing to adjust their work habits to adapt to the impact of high temperatures (81.6%). The internet was the most common method to obtain heat prevention information (44.7%), and the most frequently used heat prevention measure was the provision of cool drinking water (64.8%). Conclusions Chinese construction workers lack heat risk awareness and are not well prepared for the likely increasing heat exposure in the workplace due to global warming. Therefore, there is a need to improve their awareness of heat-related injuries, strengthen high temperature related education and training, and update the current heat prevention policies to ensure compliance and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rong Han
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Mingru Wei
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhifeng Wu
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Shanshan Duan
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiangzhe Chen
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jiayuan Yang
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, No. 620, West Chang'an Avenue, Chang'an District, Xi'an, 710119, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Matthew A Borg
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia
| | - Jinfeng Lin
- Fujian Center for Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases and Chemical Poisoning, No. 107, Hutou Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350025, Fujian Province, China
| | - Chuancheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace Campus, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, No.1, North Xuefu Road, Minhou County, Fuzhou, 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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Jha SK, Negi AK, Alatalo JM, Negi RS. Socio-ecological vulnerability and resilience of mountain communities residing in capital-constrained environments. MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR GLOBAL CHANGE 2021; 26:38. [PMID: 34744484 PMCID: PMC8558092 DOI: 10.1007/s11027-021-09974-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The study evaluated perceived reactions and counter-actions of Himalayan communities to climate change. The evaluation was conducted through identification and characterization of 62 socio-environment-specific indicators in three altitude zones (< 1200 m asl (zone A), 1200-1800 m asl (zone B), and > 1800 m asl (zone C)) in Pauri district, Uttarakhand, India, using a bottom-up, indicator-based approach. Indicators with higher significance for the local economy, livelihoods, or conservation were selected and assimilated into dimensions of vulnerability and resilience. Finally, these were integrated into a sustainable livelihood framework in an approach intended to calculate vulnerability and resilience jointly. The results indicated that the vulnerability and resilience of the mountain communities studied varied widely along the altitude gradient, due to variations in socioeconomic profile, livelihood requirements, resource availability, accessibility, and utilization pattern, and climate risk. The overall values for vulnerability (exposure + sensitivity-adaptive capacity) and resilience (exposure + sensitivity-restorative capacity) were, respectively, 0.34 and 0.28 in zone A, 0.54 and 0.37 in zone B, and 0.65 and 0.59 in zone C. There was a significant difference in contribution of indicators to vulnerability and resilience along the altitudinal gradient was recorded. Strategies for dealing with site-specific vulnerability are required and should address bottlenecks in accessibility and availability of food, water, and healthcare; sustainable utilization of forest resources; educational attainment and skill enhancement; and migration. These results extend current knowledge among the research community and policymakers on socio-ecological changes affecting mountain communities. To reduce the policy level gap between bottom-up and top-down approaches, we suggest precautionary and ongoing site-specific traditional practices and modern adaptation practices, leading to effective and efficient handling of local issues in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashidhar Kumar Jha
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hemvati Nandan Garhwal (A Central) University, Uttarakhand Srinagar, India
| | - A. K. Negi
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Hemvati Nandan Garhwal (A Central) University, Uttarakhand Srinagar, India
| | | | - R. S. Negi
- Department of Rural Technology, Hemvati Nandan Garhwal (A Central) University, Uttarakhand Srinagar, India
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Vergunst F, Berry HL. Climate Change and Children’s Mental Health: A Developmental Perspective. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 10:767-785. [PMID: 35846172 PMCID: PMC9280699 DOI: 10.1177/21677026211040787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is a major global public-health challenge that will have wide-ranging impacts on human psychological health and well-being. Children and adolescents are at particular risk because of their rapidly developing brain, vulnerability to disease, and limited capacity to avoid or adapt to threats and impacts. They are also more likely to worry about climate change than any other age group. Drawing on a developmental life-course perspective, we show that climate-change-related threats can additively, interactively, and cumulatively increase psychopathology risk from conception onward; that these effects are already occurring; and that they constitute an important threat to healthy human development worldwide. We then argue that monitoring, measuring, and mitigating these risks is a matter of social justice and a crucial long-term investment in developmental and mental health sciences. We conclude with a discussion of conceptual and measurement challenges and outline research priorities going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Vergunst
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal
- Ste-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Helen L. Berry
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University
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Development of a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Using a Public Health Lens to Determine Local Health Vulnerabilities: An Ontario Health Unit Experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102237. [PMID: 30322040 PMCID: PMC6210940 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is negatively impacting the health of Canadians and is accordingly expected to have a significant impact on public health agencies and their response to these health impacts throughout the twenty-first century. While national and international research and assessments have explored the potential human health impacts of climate change, few assessments have explored the implications of climate change from a local public health perspective. An applied research approach to expand local knowledge and action of health vulnerabilities through a climate change action plan and vulnerability assessment was utilized by a local public health agency. Adoption and adaptation of the approach used may be valuable for public health organizations to assist their communities. Through completing a vulnerability assessment, an evidentiary base was generated for public health to inform adaptation actions to reduce negative health impacts and increase resiliency. Challenges in completing vulnerability assessments at the local level include the framing and scoping of health impacts and associated indicators, as well as access to internal expertise surrounding the analysis of data. While access to quantitative data may be limiting at the local level, qualitative data can enhance knowledge of local impacts, while also supporting the creation of key partnerships with community stakeholders which can ensure climate action continues beyond the scope of the vulnerability assessment.
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MacVicar S, Berrang-Ford L, Harper S, Huang Y, Namanya Bambaiha D, Yang S. Whether weather matters: Evidence of association between in utero meteorological exposures and foetal growth among Indigenous and non-Indigenous mothers in rural Uganda. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179010. [PMID: 28591162 PMCID: PMC5462429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and birth outcomes have been found to be sensitive to meteorological variation, yet few studies explore this relationship in sub-Saharan Africa where infant mortality rates are the highest in the world. We address this research gap by examining the association between meteorological factors and birth weight in a rural population in southwestern Uganda. Our study included hospital birth records (n = 3197) from 2012 to 2015, for which we extracted meteorological exposure data for the three trimesters preceding each birth. We used linear regression, controlling for key covariates, to estimate the timing, strength, and direction of meteorological effects on birth weight. Our results indicated that precipitation during the third trimester had a positive association with birth weight, with more frequent days of precipitation associated with higher birth weight: we observed a 3.1g (95% CI: 1.0–5.3g) increase in birth weight per additional day of exposure to rainfall over 5mm. Increases in average daily temperature during the third trimester were also associated with birth weight, with an increase of 41.8g (95% CI: 0.6–82.9g) per additional degree Celsius. When the sample was stratified by season of birth, only infants born between June and November experienced a significant associated between meteorological exposures and birth weight. The association of meteorological variation with foetal growth seemed to differ by ethnicity; effect sizes of meteorological were greater among an Indigenous subset of the population, in particular for variation in temperature. Effects in all populations in this study are higher than estimates of the African continental average, highlighting the heterogeneity in the vulnerability of infant health to meteorological variation in different contexts. Our results indicate that while there is an association between meteorological variation and birth weight, the magnitude of these associations may vary across ethnic groups with differential socioeconomic resources, with implications for interventions to reduce these gradients and offset the health impacts predicted under climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah MacVicar
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Lea Berrang-Ford
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sherilee Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Seungmi Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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van den Bosch M, Nieuwenhuijsen M. No time to lose - Green the cities now. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 99:343-350. [PMID: 27923587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matilda van den Bosch
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, 314 - 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences, The University of British Columbia, 3041-2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal CREAL, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), Doctor Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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Hajat S, Whitmore C, Sarran C, Haines A, Golding B, Gordon-Brown H, Kessel A, Fleming LE. Development of a browser application to foster research on linking climate and health datasets: Challenges and opportunities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 575:79-86. [PMID: 27741457 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.09.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved data linkages between diverse environment and health datasets have the potential to provide new insights into the health impacts of environmental exposures, including complex climate change processes. Initiatives that link and explore big data in the environment and health arenas are now being established. OBJECTIVES To encourage advances in this nascent field, this article documents the development of a web browser application to facilitate such future research, the challenges encountered to date, and how they were addressed. METHODS A 'storyboard approach' was used to aid the initial design and development of the application. The application followed a 3-tier architecture: a spatial database server for storing and querying data, server-side code for processing and running models, and client-side browser code for user interaction and for displaying data and results. The browser was validated by reproducing previously published results from a regression analysis of time-series datasets of daily mortality, air pollution and temperature in London. RESULTS Data visualisation and analysis options of the application are presented. The main factors that shaped the development of the browser were: accessibility, open-source software, flexibility, efficiency, user-friendliness, licensing restrictions and data confidentiality, visualisation limitations, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Creating dedicated data and analysis resources, such as the one described here, will become an increasingly vital step in improving understanding of the complex interconnections between the environment and human health and wellbeing, whilst still ensuring appropriate confidentiality safeguards. The issues raised in this paper can inform the future development of similar tools by other researchers working in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakoor Hajat
- Department of Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Ceri Whitmore
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | | | - Andy Haines
- Department of Social & Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Harriet Gordon-Brown
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
| | | | - Lora E Fleming
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Truro, Cornwall, UK
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Kabir MI, Rahman MB, Smith W, Lusha MAF, Milton AH. Climate change and health in Bangladesh: a baseline cross-sectional survey. Glob Health Action 2016; 9:29609. [PMID: 27049012 PMCID: PMC4821870 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.29609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bangladesh is facing the unavoidable challenge of adaptation to climate change. However, very little is known in relation to climate change and health. This article provides information on potential climate change impact on health, magnitude of climate-sensitive diseases, and baseline scenarios of health systems to climate variability and change. DESIGN A cross-sectional study using multistage cluster sampling framework was conducted in 2012 among 6,720 households of 224 rural villages in seven vulnerable districts of Bangladesh. Information was obtained from head of the households using a pretested, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire. A total of 6,720 individuals participated in the study with written, informed consent. RESULTS The majority of the respondents were from the low-income vulnerable group (60% farmers or day labourers) with an average of 30 years' stay in their locality. Most of them (96%) had faced extreme weather events, 45% of people had become homeless and displaced for a mean duration of 38 days in the past 10 years. Almost all of the respondents (97.8%) believe that health care expenditure increased after the extreme weather events. Mean annual total health care expenditure was 6,555 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) (1 USD=77 BDT in 2015) and exclusively out of pocket of the respondents. Incidence of dengue was 1.29 (95% CI 0.65-2.56) and malaria 13.86 (95% CI 6.00-32.01) per 1,000 adult population for 12 months preceding the data collection. Incidence of diarrhoea and pneumonia among under-five children of the households for the preceding month was 10.3% (95% CI 9.16-11.66) and 7.3% (95% CI 6.35-8.46), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this survey indicate that climate change has a potential adverse impact on human health in Bangladesh. The magnitude of malaria, dengue, childhood diarrhoea, and pneumonia was high among the vulnerable communities. Community-based adaptation strategy for health could be beneficial to minimise climate change attributed health burden of Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Iqbal Kabir
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine, NIPSOM, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh;
| | - Md Bayzidur Rahman
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Wayne Smith
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Abul Hasnat Milton
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Colagiuri R, Boylan S, Morrice E. Research Priorities for NCD Prevention and Climate Change: An International Delphi Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:12941-57. [PMID: 26501301 PMCID: PMC4627009 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph121012941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Climate change and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are arguably the greatest global challenges of the 21st Century. However, the confluence between them remains under-examined and there is little evidence of a comprehensive, systematic approach to identifying research priorities to mitigate their joint impact. Consequently, we: (i) convened a workshop of academics (n = 25) from the Worldwide Universities Network to identify priority areas at the interface between NCDs and climate change; (ii) conducted a Delphi survey of international opinion leaders in public health and relevant other disciplines; and (iii) convened an expert panel to review and advise on final priorities. Three research areas (water security; transport; conceptualising NCD harms to support policy formation) were listed among the top 10 priorities by >90% of Delphi respondents, and ranked among the top 12 priorities by >60% of respondents who ranked the order of priority. A fourth area (reducing the carbon footprint of cities) was ranked highest by the same >60% of respondents. Our results are consistent with existing frameworks on health and climate change, and extends them by focusing specifically on NCDs. Researching these priorities could progress understanding of climate change and NCDs, and inform global and national policy decisions for mitigating associated harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Colagiuri
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Sinead Boylan
- The Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Emily Morrice
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Semenza JC. Prototype early warning systems for vector-borne diseases in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:6333-51. [PMID: 26042370 PMCID: PMC4483704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120606333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Globalization and environmental change, social and demographic determinants and health system capacity are significant drivers of infectious diseases which can also act as epidemic precursors. Thus, monitoring changes in these drivers can help anticipate, or even forecast, an upsurge of infectious diseases. The European Environment and Epidemiology (E3) Network has been built for this purpose and applied to three early warning case studies: (1) The environmental suitability of malaria transmission in Greece was mapped in order to target epidemiological and entomological surveillance and vector control activities. Malaria transmission in these areas was interrupted in 2013 through such integrated preparedness and response activities. (2) Since 2010, recurrent West Nile fever outbreaks have ensued in South/eastern Europe. Temperature deviations from a thirty year average proved to be associated with the 2010 outbreak. Drivers of subsequent outbreaks were computed through multivariate logistic regression models and included monthly temperature anomalies for July and a normalized water index. (3) Dengue is a tropical disease but sustained transmission has recently emerged in Madeira. Autochthonous transmission has also occurred repeatedly in France and in Croatia mainly due to travel importation. The risk of dengue importation into Europe in 2010 was computed with the volume of international travelers from dengue affected areas worldwide.These prototype early warning systems indicate that monitoring drivers of infectious diseases can help predict vector-borne disease threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan C Semenza
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Tomtebodavagen 11A, SE-171 83 Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Boeckmann M, Rohn I. Is planned adaptation to heat reducing heat-related mortality and illness? A systematic review. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:1112. [PMID: 25349109 PMCID: PMC4219109 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme heat is an important public health risk. Climate change will likely increase the temperatures humans are exposed to through exacerbated heat wave intensity and frequency, possibly increasing health risks from heat. To prevent adverse effects on human health, heat prevention plans and climate change adaptation strategies are being implemented. But are these measures effectively reducing heat-related mortality and morbidity? This study assesses the evidence base in 2014. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed published literature. We applied a combined search strategy of automated search and journal content search using the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Biological Abstracts, CAB Abstracts and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses A&I. Quality appraisal was conducted using CASP checklists, and we identified recurrent themes in studies with content analysis methodology. We conducted sub-group analyses for two types of studies: survey and interview research on behavioral change and perception, and observational studies with regression. RESULTS 30 articles were included in the review. The majority of studies (n = 17) assessed mortality or morbidity reductions with regression analysis. Overall, the assessments report a reduction of adverse effects during extreme heat in places where preventive measures have been implemented. Population perception and behavior change were assessed in five studies, none of which had carried out a pre-test. Two themes emerged from the review: methodological challenges are a major hindrance to rigorous evaluation, and what counts as proof of an effective reduction in adverse health outcomes is disputed. CONCLUSIONS Attributing health outcomes to heat adaptation remains a challenge. Recent study designs are less rigorous due to difficulties assigning the counterfactual. While sensitivity to heat is decreasing, the examined studies provide inconclusive evidence on individual planned adaptation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Boeckmann
- />Department Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Achterstr. 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
- />Center for Social Policy Research, University of Bremen, Mary-Somerville-Str. 5, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Ines Rohn
- />Medical University Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Climate change and human health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2014; 11:7347-53. [PMID: 25046633 PMCID: PMC4113880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110707347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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Caoili SEC. Beyond new chemical entities: advancing drug development based on functional versatility of antibodies. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2014; 10:1639-44. [PMID: 24632567 PMCID: PMC4185958 DOI: 10.4161/hv.28192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody-type agents (i.e., antibodies and derivatives thereof) may be produced as clinically valuable antidotes, which conceivably could be developed in tandem with prospective new pharmaceutical products so as to render the risks of clinical trials more acceptable from a regulatory standpoint. Yet, this is but a relatively narrow view of the full potential utility associated with antibody-type agents, the significance of which is appreciated upon reconsidering key aspects of early modern biomedical research (notably major contributions thereto by Nobel Laureate Paul Ehrlich) in light of much more recent advances (e.g., application of immunity-oriented approaches to diseases in general, epitope-specific targeting, abzyme-mediated catalysis, antibody-mediated sustained-release buffering of unbound-ligand concentrations, and enhanced thermal and metabolic stability of deuterated chemical species via the kinetic isotope effect), as conditioned by health-related concerns (e.g., current and anticipated epidemiologic transitions vis-a-vis environmental changes) especially with regard to sustainable development (e.g., emphasizing more efficient resource utilization toward increased global resilience based on greater independence from high-maintenance technological infrastructure). The broader view that thus emerges highlights the urgent need to rebalance the health-research agenda, which presently reflect an overemphasis on small-molecule candidate-drug discovery, in order to advance health based on a comprehensive fundamental synthesis of immunity and pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvador Eugenio C Caoili
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; College of Medicine; University of the Philippines Manila; Manila, Philippines
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18
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A consideration of group work processes in modern epidemiology. Ann Epidemiol 2014; 24:319-23. [PMID: 24507953 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2014.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In the field of epidemiology, much attention has been given to the reduction of random or systematic errors in study design, analysis, and reporting. This article reviews relevant literature on group work processes. The review orients attention toward optimizing group work processes to enhance group decision making and optimize the conduct of epidemiologic work in the era of team science. METHODS The review contrasts interactive open group work with group aggregate work. We define the latter as occurring without member to member communication. The impacts of group characteristics on process issues are examined. RESULTS Group characteristics such as purpose, modality, size, and member incentives are shown to influence the likely optimal group structure for varying tasks. Open group work allows rapid communication and interactive feedback as well as the emergence of a collective intelligence above that of the individual members. However, productivity may be limited by large open group size and the multiple dyads of communication, limiting cognitive diversity and human resource capital. Furthermore, group-level biases and bias may be introduced within the group. Little quantitative work on these issues has been conducted in the epidemiologic work setting, but recent experimental research in other areas of science and management indicates that structured protocols to support dynamic group work can improve group decisions. The merit of often highly accurate group aggregate approaches, with parallel independent individual inputs such as crowd sourcing is becoming increasingly recognized. We outline several examples in recent medical research. CONCLUSIONS We outline principles that should be explicitly considered when setting up new work groups in epidemiology and recommend that further work on these issues be conducted.
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