The Sociocultural Understanding of Climate Change and its Effects on Maternal and Prenatal Health Outcomes in Nigeria, West Africa.

Adebanke L. Adebayo

Advisor: Gary L. Kreps, PhD, Department of Communication

Committee Members: Kevin B. Wright, Edward W. Maibach

Online Location,
May 03, 2022, 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Abstract:

Climate change is one of the biggest 21st-century global health problems, and developing nations like Nigeria are the hardest hit, with pregnant women being the most vulnerable and at-risk populations. Despite the overwhelming evidence linking climate change to adverse maternal and prenatal health outcomes, only a few studies have investigated Nigeria’s climate change and maternal health outcomes. Hence, this study seeks to examine the unique perspectives of Nigerian women about climate change issues in Nigeria, emphasizing the sociocultural nuances that define women’s climate change experiences. Building on an earlier conducted autoethnography, this formative study used the Delphi technique and in-depth interviews across five different groups to explore women’s perspectives about climate change.  The study considers important sociocultural factors, translating science-based evidence into understandable and accessible information to raise awareness and help guide environmental policy changes that can enhance maternal health outcomes. Findings from the study are discussed alongside practical applications, theoretical implications, limitations, as well as directions and considerations for future research.

Keywords: air pollution, climate change, heat wave, maternal health, Nigeria, prenatal health