Impact of climate change on maternal health outcomes: An evidence gap map review
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
PLOS Global Public Health
Abstract
Climate change poses unique challenges to maternal well-being and increases complications during pregnancy and childbirth globally. This evidence gap map (EGM) aims to identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas where further research related to climate change
and its impact on maternal health is required. The following databases were searched individually from inception to present: Medline, EMBASE, and Global Health via OVID; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) via EBSCOhost; Scopus; and
organizational websites. In this EGM, we integrated 133 studies published in English, including qualitative, quantitative, reviews and grey literature that examined the impact of climate
change on maternal health (women aged 15–45). We used Covidence to screen studies
and Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (Eppi reviewer)/Eppi Mapper software to
generate the EGM. Data extraction and qualitative appraisal of the studies was done using
critical appraisal tools. The study protocol was registered in International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY) # INPLASY202370085.
Out of 133 included studies, forty seven studies were of high quality, seventy nine moderate
equality and seven low quality. This EGM found notable gaps in the literature regarding the
distribution of research across regions. We found significant research in North America (51)
and Asia (40 studies). However, Africa and the Caribbean had fewer studies, highlighting
potential disparities in research attention and resources. Moreover, while the impact of
extreme heat emerged as a prominent factor impacting maternal well-being, there is a need
for further investigation into other climate-related factors such as drought. Additionally, while
preterm stillbirth and maternal mortality have gained attention, there is an overlook of malnutrition and food insecurity indicators that require attention in future research. The EGM identifies existing research gaps in climate change and maternal health. It emphasizes the need or global collaboration and targeted interventions to address disparities and inform climate responsive policies
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Climate, evidence gap map (EGM), maternal well-being
Citation
Meherali S, Nisa S, Aynalem YA, Kennedy M, Salami B, Adjorlolo S, et al. (2024) Impact of climate change on maternal health outcomes: An evidence gap map review. PLOS Glob Public Health 4(8): e0003540. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pgph.0003540