Article type
Abstract
Background: Climate change and extreme weather events significantly threaten neonatal and child health. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the impact of climate change on child health, utilizing the Evidence Gap Map (EGM) to address knowledge gaps and establish a foundation for evidence-based interventions and future research.
Method: From inception, academic databases (such as Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus) and grey literature were systematically searched. We included climate change–related studies involving children aged 0 to 5 years worldwide. Covidence facilitated a rigorous screening process, and we conducted a critical appraisal. Two independent reviewers handled screening and data extraction. Eligible studies underwent coding and extraction using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) reviewer software. The EGM was constructed using EPPI Mapper and presented comprehensive findings through live links and figures. The review protocol was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202370086) and adhered to Campbell Collaboration standards.
Result: We identified 196 studies, comprising 59.2% children and 40.8% neonates, with diverse research approaches, including 94% quantitative studies. There has been a notable increase in research publications over the past 5 years. Evidence is also heavily concentrated in Asia (93 studies) and Africa (47 studies). The most frequently studied exposures are those related to extreme climate events, followed by drought and floods. However, there are gaps in the study of extreme cold and storms. The significant outcomes comprised preterm birth (55 studies), low birth weight (27 studies), malnutrition (59 studies), and diarrheal diseases (28 studies). Nevertheless, evidence on mental health problems and congenital disabilities receives relatively less attention.
Conclusion: This EGM is a crucial tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, highlighting knowledge gaps and guiding future research to address the evolving threats of climate change to global child health.
Method: From inception, academic databases (such as Medline, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL, and Scopus) and grey literature were systematically searched. We included climate change–related studies involving children aged 0 to 5 years worldwide. Covidence facilitated a rigorous screening process, and we conducted a critical appraisal. Two independent reviewers handled screening and data extraction. Eligible studies underwent coding and extraction using Evidence for Policy and Practice Information (EPPI) reviewer software. The EGM was constructed using EPPI Mapper and presented comprehensive findings through live links and figures. The review protocol was registered at the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols (INPLASY202370086) and adhered to Campbell Collaboration standards.
Result: We identified 196 studies, comprising 59.2% children and 40.8% neonates, with diverse research approaches, including 94% quantitative studies. There has been a notable increase in research publications over the past 5 years. Evidence is also heavily concentrated in Asia (93 studies) and Africa (47 studies). The most frequently studied exposures are those related to extreme climate events, followed by drought and floods. However, there are gaps in the study of extreme cold and storms. The significant outcomes comprised preterm birth (55 studies), low birth weight (27 studies), malnutrition (59 studies), and diarrheal diseases (28 studies). Nevertheless, evidence on mental health problems and congenital disabilities receives relatively less attention.
Conclusion: This EGM is a crucial tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, highlighting knowledge gaps and guiding future research to address the evolving threats of climate change to global child health.