ASSOCIATION OF MATERNAL HEAT EXPOSURE WITH PRETERM BIRTH AND MISCARRIAGE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN YOPOUGON, CÔTE D'IVOIRE, 2014-2024: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, particularly in West Africa. Pregnant women and their fetuses are among the most vulnerable to heat exposure, yet evidence from African settings remains limited. In Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, both the frequency and intensity of heat episodes have increased in recent years. However, the effects of maternal heat exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes have not yet been investigated in this context. This study assessed the relationship between heat exposure and maternal-fetal health outcomes. This retrospective ecological time-series analysis used hospital records from 2014 to 2024 from two maternity hospitals in Yopougon district. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine associations between mean maximum temperature and preterm birth and miscarriage. A total of 36,376 deliveries were recorded at Wassakara maternity hospital, including 0.69% miscarriage and 0.90% preterm births. At Toit Rouge maternity, 22,294 deliveries were recorded, including 1.71% miscarriages and 1.18% preterm births. Annual and seasonal trends showed fluctuations in both outcomes. Pearson correlation analyses indicated broadly similar associations in both maternity hospitals, with weak positive associations between mean maximum temperature and the pregnancy outcomes studied, and a weak negative association for preterm birth in Wassakara maternity hospital. However, none of these associations were statistically significant. These findings suggest a potential association between heat exposure and adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth and miscarriage, highlighting the need for further research considering more data and sources and targeted preventive strategies for pregnant women.