https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/gjeid <p><strong><em>Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease</em> </strong>is an international journal dedicated to the latest advancements in Epidemiology. The goal of this journal is to provide a platform for scientists and academicians all over the world to promote, share, and discuss various new issues and developments in different areas of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease.</p> en-US editor@scipublications.com (Robert Williams) editor@scipublications.com (Robert Williams) Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:33:31 +0000 OJS 3.3.0.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/gjeid/article/view/1176 <p><strong>Background: </strong>Climate change has raised significant concerns about its impact on health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. While extensive research has examined physical health effects, limited attention has been given to the influence of extreme heat on developmental and behavioral outcomes. <strong>Objectives:</strong> This study investigates the association between extreme heat exposure and early puberty initiation (ages 9-10), using data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. It further explores how early puberty correlates with behavioral problems and tobacco use initiation. <strong>Methods:</strong> Data from 11,878 participants in the ABCD study were analyzed to examine the relationship between extreme heat exposure (independent variable) and puberty initiation (outcome). Behavioral problems and tobacco use initiation were evaluated as downstream outcomes of early puberty. Covariates included age, sex, and race/ethnicity, and behavioral problems were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for analysis. <strong>Results:</strong> Extreme heat exposure was significantly associated with earlier puberty initiation at ages 9-10. Early puberty, in turn, correlated with higher levels of behavioral problems and an increased likelihood of tobacco use initiation. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> These findings underscore the importance of addressing environmental factors such as extreme heat to reduce risks associated with early maturation, including behavioral and substance use challenges. Targeted interventions and policies are needed to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on child development, and longitudinal studies are essential to confirm these results and inform effective prevention strategies.</p> Shervin Assari, Babak Najand, Hossein Zare Copyright (c) 2025 Global Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/gjeid/article/view/1176 Thu, 16 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000