Impacts of multiple hazards on pregnant women and infants (version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Impacts of multiple hazards on pregnant women and infants
IRAS ID
346261
Contact name
Elena Raffetti
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Karolinska Institutet
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Human activities exacerbate the threats from a wide range of hazards, including COVID-19 and other epidemics, hot temperature, and air pollution, which we focus on in this study. Unprecedented international mobility makes it easier for a local outbreak to develop into an epidemic. Climate change brings serious risks, as temperatures may rise to dangerous levels during heat waves. Air pollution is a growing urban problem, which can be exacerbated during climatic events (e.g. heat waves).
It is important and urgent to reduce the impact of these hazards on vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and infants, who are at the centre of this research project. Since many hazards will increase in severity and frequency, situations will emerge where more than one hazard affects pregnant women and infants, in sequence or concurrently.
The study aims to find out how hazards are perceived, and what is done to counter them on an individual level, within the healthcare system, as well as in governmental and non-governmental organisations. We will therefore conduct interviews with previously pregnant women, healthcare personnel, and decision-makers. In the first group, a condition is that the pregnancy occured during the COVID-19 pandemic (11 March 2020 to 5 May 2023). For the other two groups, relevant professional experience or knowledge is required. All interviewees will be aged 18 or above. The interviews will take 60 minutes or less.
The results will be published in scientific and lay publications, with the aim to provide evidence-based knowledge to counter hazards. The results will be able to inform plans and measures within the healthcare system, and ultimately contribute to better health for pregnant women and infants in the future.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1097
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion