Heat Exposure, Sleep, Cognition and MentAl Health: Mechanisms of Climate Change ImPacts on VulnErable Groups in Two Sub-Saharan Africa Countries – HEATSCAPE-Africa

HEATSCAPE-Africa seeks to understand how the impact of heat exposure on depression and anxiety is due to sleep and cognitive functioning, in Ghana (lower middle-income) and Zimbabwe (other low-income). Current evidence suggests that heat exposure disrupts sleep and impairs cognitive function—both of which are essential for mental health. However, research in low- and middle-income countries has been scarce, despite these populations being particularly vulnerable to climate-induced heat stress. 15% and 60% of primary healthcare attendees in Ghana and Zimbabwe respectively report depression symptoms. In both countries there is limited understanding of the mental health needs of vulnerable populations such as adolescents, women of reproductive age, and older adults. The project will focus on three key themes: a) contextual understanding of heat and mental health; b) methodological advances to identify causal mechanisms through a two-year prospective cohort study; c) community/health system readiness. The project has four deliverables: empirically-informed framework on mechanisms of heat exposure on depression/anxiety; a core mediator/moderator set for use in heat-mental health studies in LMICs; a community and health system readiness package of care; and a cohort of young researchers with lived experience. HEATSCAPE-Africa is a partnership based on expertise from Ghana, Zimbabwe, United Kingdom, and Canada.