Mapping impact and developing mitigation strategies for climate change-mental health nexus in the context of vulnerable adolescent populations in Kenya

University Of Nairobi, Nairobi

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Abstract

Abstract Pregnant adolescents in Sub-Saharan-African (SSA) are burdened by significant unmet health needs including lack of access to mental health services due to rapidly changing climate and environmental factors. This proposed supplemental study titled “Mapping impact and developing mitigation strategies for climate change-mental health nexus in the context of vulnerable adolescent populations in Kenya” will be leveraged on the ongoing INSPIRE- K43 study to investigate the influence of climate change and related environmental risks or stressors on adolescents’ mental health and their offspring’s early development. The proposed study will be conducted in four primary care health facilities in two geographically distinct regions: Vishakani and Mwanamwinga sites in Kaloleni, Kilifi County (rural area) and Kariobangi and Kangemi informal settlements in Nairobi County (urban area). A random representative 200 pregnant adolescents and young mothers who meet the recruitment criteria (i.e., ages 13-24 years, from these primary care clinics will be recruited. A set of assessments covering urban climate change indicators, exposure to environmental stressors (including adverse events), adolescent mothers’ mental health, medical history quality of life, and their offspring’s development, birth history and anthropometric, will be assessed for Aim 1. We will also carry out four stakeholder workshops and focus group discussion (FGDs) (n=40; 6-10 participants) that will share scientific knowledge, promote awareness, discuss research methods and results, and explore mitigation and preparedness strategies for Aim 2. Multivariate linear and logistic regression will be used to analyze quantitative data while thematic network analysis will be used to analyze qualitative data. This grant would contribute to developing a clearer intervention that speaks to social and environmental determinants of mental health in Kenya.