Abstract (by author) > Sarah ALTAYYAR

Holding a professional master's degree in human nutrition (Lebanese University) and a research master's degree in public health (University of Limoges), her research focuses on chronic non-communicable diseases in tropical regions. In 2024, she was actively involved in an interventional study aimed at raising awareness about epilepsy among primary schoolchildren in Mauritius (Altayyar S. et al, Seizure, 2025). She is currently pursuing a PhD within the EpiMaCT team, focusing on the prevention of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the multicultural context of the Indian Ocean islands, in collaboration with the SEGA One Health network.

3:55 PM - Recent and forthcoming regional research (session 4)

CLIMATE CHANGE, HEALTH, AND RELEVANT RISK FACTORS
Regional KAP survey project in the general population

Sarah ALTAYYAR¹, Harena RASAMOELINA², Pierre-Marie PREUX¹, Farid BOUMEDIENE¹

¹ Inserm U1094, IRD UMR270, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, EpiMaCT - Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, Omega Health, Limoges, France; ² Health Surveillance Unit, SEGA One Health Network, Indian Ocean Commission, Ebene, Mauritius.

Island states and territories are on the frontlines of global warming. In the Indian Ocean region, the effects of climate change are particularly pronounced: rising temperatures, sea-level rise (which increases the risk of flooding), and the growing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as cyclones, are disrupting the ecological, economic, and social balance of the islands. These disturbances exacerbate the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory conditions) while also contributing to the emergence of psychological disorders like eco-anxiety.

In the face of these interconnected health and environmental challenges, reliable data are essential to guide public action. For this reason, rigorous surveys will be conducted to provide an accurate overview of the situation in the Indian Ocean region. These will aim to collect information on the perception of climate risks, health-related behaviors, environmental exposure, as well as the population’s knowledge and practices during extreme weather events. Additionally, a specific survey will focus on knowledge and lifestyle habits related to the risk factors of non-communicable diseases, in order to assess public awareness and identify barriers to adopting preventive behaviors.

These surveys will be crucial for establishing a strong diagnostic framework and formulating concrete recommendations for national health systems, with the aim of strengthening the resilience of local populations in the face of ongoing ecological transformations.