Climate Shocks, Dengue and Reproductive Processes

This research proposal investigates the interconnected impacts of climate shocks and dengue exposure on reproductive processes in Brazil, focusing on women of childbearing age. The study leverages data from the DZC 1-2 longitudinal panel survey, merging individual-level reproductive data with contextual data on dengue exposure and the 2022 flood in Recife, Brazil. The project has five key aims: (1) developing a comprehensive dataset that maps climate and dengue exposure to individual residential histories; (2) estimating the association between flood/dengue exposure and reproductive intentions, behaviors, and outcomes; (3) examining stress as a mediating or moderating factor in these associations; (4) developing a subsequent R01 grant proposal; and (5) organizing a workshop on climate, epidemics, and reproductive processes at the 2026 PAA conference. This innovative study integrates multi-level sources of data, explores the dynamic relationship between climate shocks and reproductive health, and examines the behavioral and biological pathways influenced by stress. By analyzing diverse urban settings with varying exposure conditions, the project aims to provide insights into effective public health interventions targeting vulnerable populations. The results will offer crucial evidence for designing strategies to mitigate health disparities related to climate change and arboviral diseases.