783 - Climate change impact on Child Health Outcomes

Salima Meherali, University of Alberta Faculty of Nursing, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Yared Asmare Aynalem, University of Alberta Faculty of nursing, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Saba Nisa, university of Alberta faculty of Nursing, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Zohra S. Lassi, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Background: Climate change significantly threatens global health, especially impacting vulnerable groups like neonates and children. Prior research has linked climate change to various health issues in neonates and children, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, malnutrition, and respiratory and mental health problems. Given their susceptibility to climate-induced risks, there are identified knowledge gaps in understanding the impact of climate change on child and neonatal health.

Objective: 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.

Design/Methods: 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 0-5 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 comprehensive findings were presented 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.

Results: 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 five years. Evidence is 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). Evidence on mental health problems and congenital disabilities receives relatively less attention.

Conclusion(s): This EGM is crucial for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. It highlights knowledge gaps and guides future research to address the evolving threats of climate change to global child health.