“There is no hope; only strong wind”: How climate change impacts adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar - 18/03/25
, Matylda Sulowska a, b, Nambinina Rasolomalala c, Samuel Solomon d, Satry Ramaroson e, Isabelle Mareschal f
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
Article gratuit.
Connectez-vous pour en bénéficier!
Abstract |
Introduction |
Climate change threatens children's and adolescents' health worldwide, but there is limited evidence of its effects on mental health in the low- and middle-income countries which are most affected. We focus on southern Madagascar to elucidate pathways through which climate change impacts mental health.
Materials and Methods |
In this preliminary study, we collected survey ( n = 83; 49 female) and focus group ( n = 48; 28 female) data from 10 to 24-year-olds (M = 15.3).
Results |
Adolescents were extremely anxious and depressed, with high climate anxiety. Adolescents indicated that climate changes influenced mental health through loss of household resources, uncertainty about the future, and disruption of coping mechanisms.
Discussion |
Climate changes exacerbated the existential threats faced by the adolescents. In Madagascar, our results tentatively suggest that interventions and policies should address food and water security, promote adaptive farming practices, and build resources for coping.
Conclusion |
Climate changes are having a profound impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar. The mechanistic links through which these impacts occur may be different than in other, more frequently studied contexts. Research examining these pathways in more depth in Madagascar is urgently needed.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Climate change, Mental health, Adolescence, Madagascar, Food security, Mixed methods
Plan
Vol 23
Article 100438- mai 2025 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Voices of hard-to-reach island communities provide inclusive and culturally appropriate climate change responses: A case study from the Torres Strait Islands, Australia
- Vinnitta Mosby, Bradley J. Moggridge, Sandra Creamer, Geoffrey Evans, Lillian Ireland, Gretta Pecl, Nina Lansbury
- Health workers’ perspectives regarding climate change and health in Kween District, Mount Elgon, Uganda – A qualitative study
- Aggrey Siya, Akim Tafadzwa Lukwa, Chemutai Faith, Noah Mutai, Plaxcedes Chiwire
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.