Investigating environmental heat exposure and its effects on maternal and fetal health in rural Northern Ghana (Physio-HeMAB Study): a study protocol for a cluster randomized trial
Abstract
Background: Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat events. Previous studies have established a correlation between heat exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, stillbirth, and other maternal and fetal health complications. However, evidence on the physiological pathways underlying heat strain during pregnancy and on whether heat adaptation strategies can modify these responses remains limited, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aims to assess the effects of environmental heat exposure on maternal and fetal physiological responses among pregnant women exposed and unexposed to a heat adaptation strategy.
Methods: Physio-HeMAB is an interventional, cluster-randomized study hosted by the Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Navrongo, Ghana. This study integrates: (i) high-resolution environmental monitoring including Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature at household level and Universal Thermal Climate Index environmental data at regional level; (ii) continuous maternal physiological assessment via wearable devices measuring heart rate, heart rate variability, core body temperature, physical activity, and sleep; and (iii) fetal health assessments, including fetal heart rate and Doppler indices. This multimodal framework supports detailed assessment of how varying levels of environmental heat exposure relate to maternal physiological changes and fetal health indicators. Descriptive and multivariable statistical methods…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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