Implementation of a community comprehensive care system for health adaptation to climate change in Cuba

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412153

Keywords:

cardiovascular diseases, climate adaptation, pathophysiology, primary health care, public health

Abstract

Climate change is a global threat to human health, exacerbating risks through pathophysiological mechanisms, especially in vulnerable populations. This study aimed to implement and evaluate a Community Comprehensive Care System (CCCS) designed to mitigate the meteorotropic effects of climate change on vulnerable patients in Sagua la Grande, Cuba, based on pathophysiological and biometeorological principles. A CCCS was developed in three stages (Evidence, Awareness, Consolidation) in the context of primary care. The system translated biometeorological forecasts into specific preventive actions for patients with chronic diseases. Its impact was evaluated through a pre-experimental study and time series analysis (1993-2017) of cerebrovascular disease. The implementation of the CCCS was associated with a reduction in the average hospital admissions for cerebrovascular disease in the critical month of March (from 20.36 to 12.82) and a decrease in mortality during the winter months (January, February, March). At the primary care level, a marked reduction in the incidence of acute respiratory infections and acute cardiovascular events was observed in the intervened community. It is concluded that the CCCS, based on the pathophysiology of meteoropathies and applied from primary care, proved to be an effective tool for health adaptation to climate change, reducing morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations.

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Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

García-Cogler, G., Alonso-Freire, J. L., Basanta-Marrero, L. M., Alonso-Basanta, L. D., & Cambil-Martín, J. (2026). Implementation of a community comprehensive care system for health adaptation to climate change in Cuba. The Biologist, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.62430/rtb20262412153