The influence of heat exposure on birth and neonatal outcomes in Mombasa, Kenya: A pooled time series analysis

Heat exposure can lead to a rise in certain perinatal and maternal adverse health conditions. This paper explored the association of heat on seven perinatal and maternal health outcomes. The authors utilized data is from Aga Khan University Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya and evaluated the influence of heat exposure metrics on the outcomes of caesarean sections, low birth weight, low apgar score, preterm birth, stillbirth, assisted vaginal deliveries and long duration of stay in hospital. The authors carried out pooled time series regression using distributed-lag nonlinear models (lag 0–9 months).

The findings show different risk responses for different heat exposure metrics for all perinatal and maternal health outcomes, significantly increasing for low-birth-weight births and caesarean sections. Further research is warranted for Kenya regarding maternal mortality and higher blood loss sometimes associated with caesarean deliveries. In addition, more research is needed on socioeconomics and heat exposure, especially in low– and middle income countries.