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. 2014 Jul 7;11(7):6923-39.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph110706923.

Climate change and cerebrospinal meningitis in the Ghanaian meningitis belt

Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe  1 , Vivian Adams Nabie  2
Affiliations

Climate change and cerebrospinal meningitis in the Ghanaian meningitis belt

Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is one of the infectious diseases likely to be affected by climate change. Although there are a few studies on the climate change-CSM nexus, none has considered perceptions of community members. However, understanding public perception in relation to a phenomenon is very significant for the design of effective communication and mitigation strategies as well as coping and adaptation strategies. This paper uses focus group discussions (FGDs) to fill this knowledge lacuna. Results show that although a few elderly participants ascribed fatal causes (disobedience to gods, ancestors, and evil spirits) to CSM infections during FGDs, majority of participants rightly linked CSM infections to dry, very hot and dusty conditions experienced during the dry season. Finally, community members use a suite of adaptation options to curb future CSM epidemics.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of Ghana showing regional distribution of recorded CSM cases, 1985–2008, and the study area.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A typical traditional house (a) being replaced by a modern house (b).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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