The influence of climate change on children attending primary care in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya

Abstract

Background: Climate change has an adverse impact on health in Eastern Africa. Climate-sensitive diseases pose a threat to the health, growth and development of children.
Aim: To determine the influence of climate change on children attending primary care in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya.
Setting: The study was undertaken in Isiolo County Referral Hospital in Isiolo County, Northern Kenya.
Methods: Convergent mixed methods research design. Quantitative data on climate variability and disease patterns were collected over the last 5 years and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Qualitative data from 12 interviews of parents with children under 5 years and six interviews of healthcare workers were analysed with Atlas-ti using the framework method.
Results: The county experienced climate fluctuation between 2019 and 2023, characterised by reduced rainfall, high temperatures, food insecurity, reduced access to water and flash floods. Families were vulnerable to the effects of these climate shocks because of limited finances. Primary care services were of low quality and lacked resilience. Healthcare workers reported limited medical resources, healthcare worker shortages and overcrowding in hospitals. Health effects reported by parents included malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoeal diseases and mental health illnesses. Social effects reported were displacement, child neglect and disruption to education.
Conclusion: Climate change has had a substantial impact on children’s health and social circumstances. Families that are dependent on public sector health services are vulnerable and lack the resilience needed to cope with climate stressors. The health facilities also lack the resilience needed to respond adequately to the challenges of climate change.
Contribution: This study will strengthen climate and health data and improve policies to address regional community needs. It also demonstrates that improving healthcare financing will impact healthcare system resilience.