Health Impacts of Climate-Change Related Natural Disasters on Persons with Disabilities in Developing Countries

Abstract

Background/Introduction:

Persons with disabilities (PWD) in developing countries are particularly affected by climate change-related disasters.

Objectives:

To explore the health impacts of climate change-related natural disasters on persons with pre-existing physical and mental disabilities in developing countries.

Method/Description:

The Joanna Briggs Institute evidence synthesis guideline was applied and results were reported following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched using terms related to ‘persons with disabilities,’ ‘climate change,’ and “developing countries.” The database search retrieved 406 articles, forty-two articles were eligible for full-text review and 14 met the inclusion criterion which were reviewed and thematic analysis was performed.

Results/Outcomes:

The 14 articles included 5 studies generalized across multiple countries and nine profiled specific developing countries. Five key themes were identified: impact on PWD physical health and mental health, resilience, and coping strategies of PWD in disasters, PWD involvement in inclusive disaster planning, and climate-change related natural disasters on PWDs in developing countries as a human rights issue.

Conclusion:

Additional research is needed to better understand the negative health impacts of climate change-related natural disasters on persons with pre-existing physical and mental disabilities in developing countries. Contributing social and economic factors as well as facilitative coping and resilience strategies of the affected population in this context also require further study. Addressing these research gaps can inform development of effective, disability-inclusive disaster management practices which contribute to more equitable climate-change related health and rights-based outcomes for PWDs in developing countries. Resulting trauma can concomitantly result in increased acute demand for physical rehabilitation therapy services.