Examining the Impact of Prolonged Droughts and Erratic Rainfall Events on the Health and Well-being of Youths (15-24 years) in Uganda.

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa, most of the population is under 35 years old and faces significant challenges such as poverty, poor mental health, climate change, and extreme weather events. Climate change has increased occurrences of extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns in the region. These events, directly and indirectly, affect food and water security, leading to higher poverty rates and adverse mental health outcomes. While studies from other regions have found associations between climate change and mental health issues, there is a lack of research specifically focused on sub-Saharan Africa.

This proposed study addresses this gap by examining the impact of drought and erratic rainfall on youth's health and well-being in Uganda. The study has three main aims: (1) qualitatively explore the immediate and long-term mental health responses of youth to successive drought and erratic rainfall, (2) examine the association between droughts, erratic rainfall, and mental health challenges among youth, and (3) identify factors that moderate the effects of climate change on mental health outcomes. The study will involve 30 qualitative interviews with youths and local leaders. Additionally, the team will leverage existing infrastructure and relationships at Uganda's African Medical and Behavioral Sciences Organization (AMBSO) to conduct a cross-sectional survey among 522 youths. 

Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the impact of climate change on the mental health of youth in Uganda and the first step towards seeking additional funding to contribute to the development of contextually relevant interventions in the region.

Presentations

• December 5, 2023: Presented the study protocol at Boston College School of Social Work and School of Nursing’s lecture series titled: Protocol for Examining the Impact of Droughts and Erratic Rainfall Events on the Health and Well-being of Youths (15-24 years) in Uganda
• August 13, 2024: Shared findings during a stakeholder engagement meeting with youths, community leaders, and local organizations in Uganda.
• June 7, 2024: Presented at the Schiller Institute’s mini-conference on climate and health titled: Examining the impact of climate change on the mental health of youths in Uganda.

Additional Grants

• Collaborated on an R21/R33 NIH grant submission with Praveen Kumar and Yi Ming focusing on digital interventions for climate-vulnerable farmers in India: “Development and Testing of Digital Solutions to Improve Mental Health of Climate-Vulnerable Subsistence Farmers in India: Use of Human-Centered Design Interventions.”

Students Trained 

• 1 Undergraduate Student
• 1 Graduate Student