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Climate Change and Its Impact on Female Reproductive Health

https://doi.org/10.35627/2219-5238/2024-32-11-7-15

Abstract

A worldwide occurrence, climate change has profound effects on many facets of human existence, including health. The frequently disregarded relationship between climate change and female reproductive health is the major topic of this review. The reproductive health of women has particular challenges due to climate change, which is also linked to extreme weather events and environmental degradation. Maternal and child health outcomes are jeopardized, access to reproductive healthcare services is restricted, and healthcare infrastructure is disrupted as a result of rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters. Furthermore, alterations in environmental factors have the potential to worsen the existing disparities in reproductive health, with a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. A comprehensive strategy that incorporates gender-sensitive legislation, community resiliencebuilding, and climate change mitigation techniques is needed to address the psychosocial effects of climate change on women. Understanding the intersectionality of vulnerabilities and addressing the particular difficulties experienced by women in various situations are crucial. A comprehensive strategy that takes into account sustainable farming methods, healthcare access, economic empowerment, and nutritional education is needed to address the complex interactions between food security and female fertility behavior. Communities' general growth and well-being can benefit from policies and initiatives that work to enhance both food security and reproductive health. One should keep in mind that this field is complex and constantly changing, and our understanding of these relationships is always expanding. The current review delves into the various ways that climate change affects the health of women through direct and indirect pathways. These include changes in fertility rates, elevated risks of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, and increased rates of maternal illness and mortality. 

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About the Authors

K. T. Vadiraj
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
India

Kalya T. Vadiraj, M.Sc., PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Environmental Science, School of Life Sciences

Mysuru-570015, Karnataka



N. K. Rajashekara
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
India

Nitin Kalsi Rajashekara, M.Sc., Research Scholar, Division of Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences

Mysuru-570015, Karnataka



B. Jayashankaraswamy
JSS Science and Technology University
India

Bindu Jayashankaraswamy, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering

Mysuru-570006, Karnataka



R. V. Mathad
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
India

Rajesh V. Mathad, M.Sc., Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences

Mysuru-570015, Karnataka



R. Nataraj
JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research
India

Raghu Nataraj, M.Sc., PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences

Mysuru-570015, Karnataka



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Review

For citations:


Vadiraj K.T., Rajashekara N.K., Jayashankaraswamy B., Mathad R.V., Nataraj R. Climate Change and Its Impact on Female Reproductive Health. Public Health and Life Environment – PH&LE. 2024;32(11):7-15. https://doi.org/10.35627/2219-5238/2024-32-11-7-15

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ISSN 2219-5238 (Print)
ISSN 2619-0788 (Online)