Health Interventions for Preventing Climate-Sensitive Diseases: Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Climate variations significantly impact public health, leading to climate-sensitive diseases.
• Existing research on health interventions for these diseases remains limited.
• A comprehensive understanding of effective interventions is crucial for public health management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to identify and classify health interventions for preventing climate-sensitive diseases.
• To provide a framework for public health managers to implement climate-related health strategies.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review was performed using the JBI Methodology.
• Searches were conducted across six major research databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Lilacs, Embase, Cochrane).
• Inclusion criteria focused on studies of health interventions for climate-sensitive diseases; 13 studies were included after screening 733 initial records.

Main Results:

• Identified health interventions were categorized into three management levels: macro, meso, and micro.
• Macro-level interventions included epidemiological models, renewable energy, and climate-sensitive policies.
• Meso-level interventions encompassed environmental suitability maps, urban greening, water security, and sanitation; micro-level interventions included personal protective measures like repellents and clothing.

Conclusions:

• A range of health interventions exists at macro, meso, and micro levels to combat climate-sensitive diseases.
• These categorized interventions offer a foundation for public health managers to develop and implement effective climate adaptation strategies.
• Further integration of these interventions can enhance resilience against climate-related health threats.