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USC Study Finds Even Mild Tropical Cyclones Increase Infant Mortality in Low-Income Countries
- A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that tropical cyclones in low- and middle-income countries have led to a significant increase in infant mortality during the early 21st century.
- The study examined approximately 1.7 million child records from countries like Madagascar, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti, showing an average 11% rise in infant mortality rates following cyclone exposure.
- Unexpectedly, factors such as reduced prenatal care access and worsening nutrition did not correlate with the heightened infant mortality post-storm, prompting further investigation into indirect mechanisms.
- The rise in infant mortality was most pronounced in the first year after a storm, emphasizing the crucial window surrounding birth for interventions to prevent fatal outcomes.
- Both powerful hurricanes and less intense tropical storms were found to impact infant mortality, with the latter posing a significant concern due to their higher frequency.
- Geographically, countries like Bangladesh, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic experienced substantial increases in infant deaths per 1,000 births compared to more resistant nations such as India, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Madagascar.
- Factors like topography, disaster preparedness, housing quality, and baseline health conditions contribute to the varied impact of tropical cyclones on infant mortality across different regions.
- The study underscores the importance of understanding the interplay between environmental shocks and health vulnerabilities for targeted public health responses and policy interventions.
- Further research is needed to identify the specific pathways driving post-cyclone infant mortality trends beyond traditional factors like healthcare access and nutrition.
- The collaborative research effort involved institutions like RAND Corporation, Stanford University, and Johns Hopkins University, emphasizing a data-driven approach to address the implications of climate change on human health.
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