Background: Climate change has been shown to be directly linked to multiple physiological sequelae and to impact health consequences. However, the impact of climate change on mental health globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, is less well understood. Objective: To explore the mental health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations globally. Methods: We performed an integrative literature review to identify published articles that addressed the research question: What are the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations globally? The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model served as a theoretical model during the review process and data synthesis. Findings/Results: One hundred and four articles were selected for inclusion in this review after a comprehensive review of 1828 manuscripts. Articles were diverse in scope and populations addressed. Land-vulnerable persons (either due to occupation or geographic location), Indigenous persons, children, older adults, and climate migrants were among the vulnerable populations whose mental health was most impacted by climate change. The most prevalent mental health responses to climate change included solastalgia, suicidality, depression, anxiety/eco-anxiety, PTSD, substance use, insomnia, and behavioral disturbance. Conclusions: Mental health professionals including physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations through assessment, preventative education and care. An inclusive and trauma-informed response to climate-related disasters, use of validated measures of mental health, and a long-term therapeutic relationship that extends beyond the immediate consequences of climate change-related events are approaches to successful mental health care in a climate-changing world.

Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Vulnerable Populations Globally: An Integrative Review

Abstract The article discovers the psychological profile of Iraq, looking at the profound impact of recent decades of turmoil on the psychological well-being of its citizens. Extensive conflicts, including wars, sanctions, invasions, socioeconomic problems, and internal conflicts, have led to significant mental health problems in the community, notably the Yazidi and Kurdish populations. These groups, already affected, faced collective trauma from the ISIS invasion and Anfal campaign. Despite various risk factors, mental health support services in Iraq are markedly insufficient. The main purpose of this article is to shed light on the psychological profile in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need to prioritise mental health in health and education policies. The article advocates for the crucial implementation of comprehensive mental health programmes, interventions, and awareness initiatives to effectively address the enduring psychological challenges facing the Iraqi population. 

pdf/the-psychological-profile-of-iraq-a-nation-haunted-by-pfkpybdr5i.pdf

The psychological profile of Iraq: A nation haunted by decades of suffering

While associations among climate change, conflict, migration/displacement and health are of significant concern, there has been limited examination at this nexus. Findings of this review indicate that research and practice should critically consider and embrace the complex and interrelated ways in which climate change has interrelated and cascading impacts on conflict, migration/displacement and health. Future research can build upon the findings of this review to identify the strength of associations at this nexus and holistic and effective responses. There is a need to adopt integrated and multi-disciplinary approaches to research, programming and policy in humanitarian settings while strengthening climate-resilient health systems. 

Understanding relationships among climate change, conflict, migration/displacement and health in humanitarian settings: a scoping review

Persons with disabilities have consistently been excluded from deliberations on climate change actions since the beginning of the global debate on this crucial issue. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has the harshest weather conditions worldwide, highlighting the need to understand the factors that could impact awareness of climate change among persons with sensory impairments. Guided by Ajzen’s theory of planned behaviour, this study sought to explore the relationship between attitudes towards climate change and participation in pro-environmental climate change behaviours among persons with sensory impairments in the MENA region. The Awareness of Climate Change and Pro-Environmental Behaviour Willingness Questionnaire was completed by 542 persons with sensory impairments. The data were subjected to hierarchical multiple regressions and moderation analysis. The findings indicate a significant relationship between attitude and participation in climate change behaviour. The study concludes with an urgent call to policymakers to engage the disability community in the MENA region in climate change action. 

Extending Climate Change Action to Persons with Disabilities in the Middle East and North Africa: Exploring the Moderators of Attitudes and Climate Change Behaviour Awareness Among Persons with Sensory Disabilities

Abstract Forcibly displaced people are at the forefront of climate emergencies worldwide. This article reviews the growing literature on climate risks for displaced populations to synthesize knowledge, highlight gaps, and develop a theory-driven research agenda. Our synthesis shows that displaced populations are disproportionately at risk of being negatively impacted by climate hazards, due to their high sensitivity, limited adaptive capacities, and, in some cases, heightened exposure. Most studies focus on Southern Asia with a paucity of studies on climate-vulnerable refugee-hosting states in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Moreover, the literature heavily relies on case studies, which impedes the generalizability and comparability of findings. We argue for an inclusive and comprehensive climate risk research agenda that systematically maps the exposure of displaced populations to climate hazards, provides theory-driven research on how climate sensitivities and adaptive capacities shape their vulnerabilities, and applies comparative research, including host community populations. 

Climate risks for displaced populations: a scoping review and research agenda

Beyond Survival: Transformative Impacts of Integrating Mental Health and Livelihood Support in Conflict Zones

Extreme weather conditions across Iraq influence people's psychosocial wellbeing, particularly the wellbeing of internally displaced persons (IDPs). This research examines the perceptions of climate change, as well as its causes and impacts on the everyday lives of IDPs in Iraq, and what needs to be done to mitigate these impacts. Following a literature review, this study presents a survey developed and carried out by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) with IDPs in Ninewa and Duhok camp settings to assess interest in climate change, the impacts of climate change on the IDP population, the observed importance of addressing climate change and what actions can be taken to mitigate such impacts. Key research findings illustrate that most IDPs (80%) have observed climate change in their lives and have been affected directly by climate change (74%). Apart from detailing these findings, the study presents the solutions suggested by the IDPs to address climate change impacts. Based on these suggestions, this study then introduces policy-relevant recommendations to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of the IDPs across Iraq and support government authorities, national policymakers and humanitarian actors in responding to the needs of the affected population associated with the consequences of climate change.

Assessment of perceptions of climate change and its causes and impacts on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among a group of internally displaced persons in Iraq

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Beyond Survival: Transformative Impacts of Integrating Mental Health and Livelihood Support in Conflict Zones

Assessment of perceptions of climate change and its causes and impacts on mental health and psychosocial wellbeing among a group of internally displaced persons in Iraq