Extreme temperature and mental health of mothers and children in northern Senegal
The objective is twofold: to understand the relationships between exposure to extreme temperatures and the mental health of mothers and children, and to co-construct preventive action with local communities.
Climate change and mental health are two intertwined global crises, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, particularly in rural communities in the South, who are the least responsible for the climate situation. The objective of this research is to understand the relationships between exposure to extreme temperatures and the mental health of mothers and children in an isolated rural community in Senegal, and to co-construct preventive actions with local communities. How does exposure to extreme temperatures affect the mental health of mothers and children in the Matam region of Senegal, and how can we co-construct preventive actions with local communities to mitigate these impacts?
My research field is located in Matam, a region in northeastern Senegal facing major climate and health challenges. This region has some of the highest extreme temperatures in the country and has experienced the highest number of deaths during heat waves in the last ten years. The study population mainly includes women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these temperatures. Specific challenges include limited access to mental health resources, language and cultural barriers, and logistical constraints related to conducting research in rural areas. My method involves an interdisciplinary approach, combining tools from social sciences, public health, community health, and close collaboration with local communities throughout the action research. The challenge is to co-develop actionable knowledge using knowledge transfer and involving all stakeholders at local and regional levels.
This research may be of interest to humanitarian and social actors because it provides empirical data on the impacts of extreme temperatures on mental health in vulnerable communities. It also aims to co-construct preventive actions with local communities, which is essential for effective and sustainable intervention. The results of this participatory research can help inform and guide interventions in mental health and climate change, with a focus on the most vulnerable populations. In addition, its participatory approach values local knowledge and resources, which is crucial for the acceptance and success of interventions.
This project is of critical importance to me as it lies at the intersection of my academic and personal interests. As a researcher with expertise in medicine and sociology, I am passionate about studying the complex links between climate change and mental health, and exploring ways to mitigate these impacts by co-constructing with affected populations. This work is a continuation of my career path, which has always focused on exploring mental health challenges in diverse contexts and countries. Moreover, it contributes to filling a significant gap in current knowledge. While the impact of climate change on physical health is well documented, the effects on mental health, particularly in low-resource settings, are less well understood. This project will provide empirical evidence and formulate recommendations for action, specifically aimed at mothers and children. Finally, on a personal level, this research on the African continent is of particular importance. Indeed, the climate issue is above all a question of social justice. And I belong to this Afro-European generation that is committed to both continents and that places the issues of social, racial and climate justice at the heart of its concerns.
The scientific scope of this research is significant because it contributes not only to bridging the current knowledge gap on this issue, particularly in countries of the South, but also to moving from research to action by co-constructing interventions based on knowledge transfer and drawing on the resources and knowledge of communities. The challenge is to be able to integrate recommendations and establish actions at the national level for the most affected and vulnerable communities.
Biography
Jean-Marc Goudet is a sociologist and public health physician. After completing a sociology thesis studying mental disorders in schools in France, he focused his research on the impact of climate change on mental health in regions of the Global South (Bangladesh, Senegal). This latest project, supported by the Red Cross Foundation, explores the impact of extreme temperatures on members of isolated rural communities in northern Senegal.