Health implications of extreme climate change: Evidence from selected coastal Bangladesh

Bangladesh's coastal communities are considered one of the most climate-vulnerable populations in the world, since they are regularly exposed to natural calamities, tidal waves, and saline incursion, which directly affects the health of the population. The current study examined the health impacts of an extreme weather event and environmental changes in Sarankhola Upazila, Bagerhat District, which is a disaster-prone coastal region of Bangladesh. The aim of the research was to outline key pathways by which climate stressors impact physical and mental health outcomes and to study strategies of community adaptation.

A mixed-methods design was used, combining a quantitative household survey (n=100) with qualitative interviews and focus-group discussions with key informants. Demographic and self-reported data on exposure to climate hazards, disease prevalence, and coping mechanisms were collected. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were examined through thematic coding techniques.

72% of the respondents showed increased disease prevalence after cyclones, most of them being waterborne diseases (55%) and dermatological diseases (37%). About 68% of respondents reported the loss of access to safe drinking water, and 64% realized an increase in food insecurity, which could be explained by salinity invasion. There was a high positive correlation between economic vulnerability and housing instability and reported health deterioration (r = 0.71; p <0.01). Qualitative stories described stressfulness, anxiety, and a disproportionate role of women caregivers in the disaster recovery phases.

Extreme climatic events significantly increase health risks in Bangladesh along the coastal areas by acting in combination with environmental, social, and economic influences. Increasing the capacity of community-based adaptation, providing reliable access to potable water and health care, and instilling climate resiliency into public health policy are urgent actions needed to protect vulnerable communities in disaster-prone regions.