Monitoring Ambient Temperature and Linking with Health and Demographic Data Generated through HDSS in Three Distinct Populations, Coastal, Rural, and Urban Slums
Funding Area: Critical shared infrastructure / Infraestructura compartida critica
Problem Statement: Extreme temperatures significantly affect human health, particularly, vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Accurate temperature data is crucial for addressing and mitigating the risks of extreme heat. However, current weather station data lacks granularity and fails to capture the nuanced temperature variations experienced by individuals indoors and in their immediate outdoor surroundings. This limitation, influenced by microclimates, household construction materials, shading effects, and local environmental conditions, impacts the precise assessment of vulnerability and targeted interventions. The International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr,b) operates three distinct Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS) in Bangladesh. The Matlab HDSS represents the rural context, Chakaria HDSS depicts coastal areas, and the urban slum HDSS reflects the impacts of rapid urbanization. The impacts of climate change vary across these HDSSs due to the difference in their contexts. The proposed project aims to capture the impacts of temperature on health in these three HDSSs. Through comprehensive analysis of temperature variations and health outcomes in diverse geospatial and socio-demographic settings, this research seeks to inform evidence-based interventions that protect vulnerable populations and enhance their resilience to climate-related health challenges in Bangladesh.
Proposed Activities: Data Collection: Upon identifying targeted areas with diverse household construction materials, microclimates, and temperature profiles, we strategically installed data loggers in 2022, both indoors and outdoors in selected households to capture temperature data continuously. We will extract data from these loggers on a monthly basis. We will design a comprehensive health survey questionnaire to collect information on health indicators, pre-existing health conditions, and demographic factors. A longitudinal approach will be implemented while conducting these periodic health surveys to capture temporal variations in health data. The temperature data from the data loggers will be collected regularly and will be stored securely in a centralized database. Data Analysis: We will analyze the collected indoor and outdoor temperature data to understand variations related to household construction materials, microclimates, and other local factors. Statistical methods, such as multivariate analysis will be employed to identify significant temperature trends and patterns. The health survey data will be processed and correlated with corresponding indoor and outdoor temperature measurements. Statistical techniques, including regression analysis, and machine learning approaches will be used to identify associations between climatic variables and health outcomes. The confounding variables will be accounted for to ensure accurate conclusions. Expected Outcomes: - Detailed insights into indoor and outdoor temperature variations influenced by household construction materials, microclimates, and local factors. - Identification of potential associations between climatic variables and health outcomes in the surveyed households. - A comprehensive research report detailing findings, recommendations, and implications for public health and policy. Timeline Data Collection: From 1st October 2023 to 30th September 2024, real-time temperature and humidity data (hourly) will be collected using installed data loggers (indoor and outdoor) in three HDSS, along with monthly disease patterns from the households where the data loggers are installed. Data analysis and report writing: From 1st June 2024 to 30th September 2024, the association will be measured between the collected climatic data with disease data. A comprehensive report will be formulated upon analyzing the generated data. Required expertise: Field workers to collect the climatic and health data on a regular basis; Statisticians to monitor the data collection, data analysis, and data visualization; Public health experts to plan and monitor the health data; Climate change and health researchers to supervise the project Required Resources: Data loggers (To collect and store real-time temperature and humidity data); Laptop (To extract the data from the loggers and analyze the collected data); Tab (To collect the disease data); Server (To store the data)
Openness: The collected data will be stored to icddr,b. The full data access will be shared according to icddr,b data sharing policy with the communities who want to use the dataset. The study findings will be shared with the donor organization as well as the community people in a regular basis.
Challenges: a) Migration: The data collection process shall encompass three distinct regions within Bangladesh. Specifically, the Dhaka slums, known for hosting a significant number of transient individuals, present a notable challenge due to high migration rates. Similarly, the coastal areas, susceptible to adverse climatic events, also experience heightened migration patterns. Consequently, ensuring a consistent, long-term follow-up with the same households poses a formidable obstacle. b) Technical: The acquisition of temperature and humidity data necessitates the utilization of data loggers, which rely on battery support for their operation. Each individual battery provides sustenance for a period ranging from 6 to 9 months. Consequently, to facilitate uninterrupted data collection, the regular replacement of batteries becomes imperative.
Neglectedness: To the best of our understanding, various esteemed donor organizations that prioritize climate change initiatives generously extend their support to such projects. We initiated this project with the funding from The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The project's inception took place in January 2022, and it is scheduled to conclude in August 2023. As the current funding period approaches its culmination, we are diligently considering the future sustainability and continuity of the project. At this juncture, we have not submitted funding proposals to any other organizations. However, we remain proactive and are actively exploring opportunities to secure potential funding to sustain and further advance the vital objectives of this project.
Success: Success for the project is defined by several key outcomes: first, the generation of a valuable dataset focusing on climate change and health. This dataset will encompass detailed indoor and outdoor temperature variations influenced by household construction materials, microclimates, and local factors. Second, the project's success hinges on identifying potential associations between climatic variables and health outcomes among the targeted population from the three Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSSs). Furthermore, success involves delivering a comprehensive research report that presents findings, insights, and evidence-based recommendations for public health and policy. The report should be accessible to both experts and non-experts, facilitating informed decision-making. The ultimate measure of success lies in the positive impact on vulnerable populations within the HDSS areas. Implementing measures based on the research findings should enhance health and well-being, reduce climate-related health risks, and improve community resilience to changing climatic conditions. Moreover, success may be evidenced through peer recognition, achieved through publication in reputable scientific journals and presentations at relevant conferences. Disseminating the research findings widely among the scientific community and stakeholders will further contribute to the project's overall success and impact.
Total Budget: USD 23953
Budget File: pdf
Affiliations: This proposal is affiliated with International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b)
LMIE Carveout: icddr,b situates in Bangladesh, which is included among the Low and Middle Income Economies (LMIEs). The research and interventions undertaken by icddr,b are rooted for the betterment of the communities in LMIEs. Our proposed project will be based in the deep rural areas of Matlab, in the coastal areas of Chakaria, and in the slums of Dhaka, and the project aims to assist disadvantaged groups with limited education, low income, and inadequate access to primary healthcare facilities. Dissemination of the findings of our study may lead to come up with interventions which will ultimately benefit these underprivileged communities.
Team Skills: Dr. SMA Hanifi (SMH) (PI) – Population scientist, statistician, head of Initiative for Climate Change and Health (ICCH)at icddr,b and HDSS lead. Working on a Cholera prediction model using Matlab HDSS data and exploring the adverse outcome of increased temperature and humidity on urban slum dwellers, Chakaria and Matlab HDSS. Dr. Hanifi will plan the whole research project. Dr. Ammatul Fardousi (AF) (Co-I) – Physician, epidemiologist, Research Investigator, and focal person of the Initiative for the Climate Change and Health (ICCH) at icddr,b. Working on the impact of climate change on human health. Dr. Ammatul will monitor the project. Md Sharoardy Sagar (MSS) (Co-I) – Statistician and Research Officer at icddr,b. Working on the impact of heat stress on human health. Md Sharoardy will help in data modelling and analysis. Nur-E-Jannat Amee (NA) (Co-I) – Research Officer at icddr,b. working on measuring how climate-affected people adapt to the adverse climatic situations, and how climatic factors drive people to migrate. Nur-E-Jannat will assist in analysis, report writing, and dissemination of the project.
Submission Number: 122
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