Health Interventions for Preventing Climate-Sensitive Diseases: Scoping Review

Abstract

Climate variations cause public health problems, but the literature is still scarce on studies involving health interventions against climate-sensitive diseases. The objective of this review was to identify health interventions for the prevention of such diseases. We conducted a scoping review using the JBI Methodology. Six large research databases were searched (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane). The following inclusion criterion was used: studies addressing health interventions to prevent climate-sensitive diseases or consequences of climate on people's health. The exclusion criteria consisted of thesis, dissertations, conference proceedings, studies with unclear information/methodology, and studies not addressing climate-related health interventions. No language or date restrictions were applied. Of 733 studies identified and screened by title and abstract, 55 studies underwent full-text screening, yielding 13 studies for review. The health interventions identified were classified into three levels of management. The macro level included the use of epidemiological models, renewable energy, and policies sensitive to climate change. The meso level comprised interventions such as the creation of environmental suitability maps, urban greening, chemoprophylaxis, water security plans, and sanitation projects, among other measures. Some interventions are at the intersection, such as educational campaigns and the modification of artificial larvae sites. Finally, the micro level contained interventions such as the inspection of window screens and the use of light-colored clothing and repellents. The health interventions at the macro, meso, and micro levels and the intersection may serve as a basis for public managers to implement appropriate interventions against climate-sensitive diseases.

Keywords: Climate; Health; Interventions.

Fig. 1

PRISMA flow diagram of included studies

Fig. 2

Overview of macro, meso, and micro levels for management of climate-sensitive health risks