Family Physician Perceptions of Climate Change, Migration, Health, and Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

An Exploratory Study

Bibliographic Data

ID15467356
AuthorsCharlotte Scheerens (0000-0003-4407-9462, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, corresponding author), Els Bekaert (0000-0002-0373-8196, United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies), Sunanda Ray (0000-0002-7214-1596, University of Botswana), Akye Essuman (0000-0002-0784-1123, University of Ghana), Robert Mash (0000-0001-7373-0774, Stellenbosch University), Bob Mash (Stellenbosch University), Peter Decat (0000-0001-8948-6040, Ghent University), An De Sutter (0000-0002-2540-8307, Ghent University), Patrick Van Damme (0000-0002-2548-633X, Ghent University), Wouter Vanhove (0000-0002-1697-2475, Ghent University), Samuel Lietaer (0000-0001-9465-8628, Université Libre de Bruxelles), J De Maeseneer (0000-0002-7296-2909, Ghent University), Farai Madzimbamuto (0000-0002-2678-4048, University of Botswana), Ilse Ruyssen (0000-0002-8259-4492, United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies)
Year2021
Volume18
Issue12
Pages6323-6323
Publication date2021-06-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph18126323
PMID34207979
OpenAlexW3172824914
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited26

Although family physicians (FPs) are community-oriented primary care generalists and should be the entry point for the population's interaction with the health system, they are underrepresented in research on the climate change, migration, and health(care) nexus (hereafter referred to as the nexus). Similarly, FPs can provide valuable insights into building capacity through integrating health-determining sectors for climate-resilient and migration-inclusive health systems, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Here, we explore FPs' perceptions on the nexus in SSA and on intersectoral capacity building. Three focus groups conducted during the 2019 WONCA-Africa conference in Uganda were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Participants' perceived interactions related to (1) migration and climate change, (2) migration for better health and healthcare, (3) health impacts of climate change and the role of healthcare, and (4) health impacts of migration and the role of healthcare were studied. We coined these complex and reinforcing interactions as continuous feedback loops intertwined with socio-economic, institutional, and demographic context. Participants identified five intersectoral capacity-building opportunities on micro, meso, macro, and supra (international) levels: multi-dimensional and multi-layered governance structures; improving FP training and primary healthcare working conditions; health advocacy in primary healthcare; collaboration between the health sector and civil society; and more responsibilities for high-income countries. This exploratory study presents a unique and novel perspective on the nexus in SSA which contributes to interdisciplinary research agendas and FP policy responses on national, regional, and global levels

Climate change · Exploratory research · Family medicine · Geography · Health care · Perception · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Global Health Care Issues · Health disparities and outcomes · Medicine · Psychology

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