Extreme weather events and mental health impacts in West Africa: A systematic review of evidence gaps

Abstract

Background: A growing body of evidence, primarily from high-income nations, suggests that extreme weather events can have a profound impact on mental health.
Aim: To contribute to a more inclusive understanding of this public health threat, we reviewed the literature to understand the impact of climate-related extreme weather events on mental health in the West African context.
Setting: This study is a systematic review of studies based in West Africa.
Methods: Our literature search of six databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature [CINAHL], EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane and Web of Science) from January 2007 to December 2024 identified 2968 articles of which 13 met study inclusion criteria.
Results: These 13 studies were predominantly cross-sectional and qualitative. The studies took place in four West African countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone) and reported direct and indirect relationships between climate-related weather events and poor mental health. The articles also highlighted that certain groups like women and persons of low socioeconomic status are likely to experience more adverse mental health impacts due to gender roles and factors associated with a lower social standing. The studies further suggest bolstering population climate health education, reforming building and development mechanisms, and targeting social programmes to women and other vulnerable groups as potential strategies to address the negative impact of climate on mental well-being.
Conclusion: Findings from this study as well as continued investments in mental health clinical capacity will be important for meeting existing shortfalls in mitigating the impact of climate change on mental health.
Contribution: There is a need for greater research investment in larger studies, in more West African countries, and including substantial proportions of the population like children.