Prince Michael Amegbor

Scroll

Assistant Professor of Global and Environmental Health

As a health geographer using big data and a multi-methods approach in his research on the environmental and social determinants of health, Dr. Prince Michael Amegbor is an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Environmental Health. He specializes in visualizing the geospatial distribution of risks and burdens on health that are associated with environmental exposures. He works to unravel how factors such as climate change, air pollution and other environmental exposures contribute to health inequalities, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and other geographic contexts (e.g., Denmark).

Prior to his appointment at GPH, Dr. Amegbor was a postdoctoral research fellow with the Big Data Centre for Environment and Health (BERTHA) and the Department of Environmental Science at Aarhus University (Denmark). He is also a guest researcher at Statistics Denmark and has worked as a co-task leader of two European Union Horizon 2020 Projects: REGREEN and ICARUS (Integrated Climate forcing and Air pollution Reduction in Urban Systems).

Dr. Amegbor has published dozens of articles in peer-reviewed scholarly journals including Scientific Report, Health & Place and Applied Geography. He earned his PhD in human geography from Queen’s University in Ontario, and holds an MPhil in development geography from the University of Oslo. He obtained his undergraduate degree in geography and resource development from the University of Ghana, Legon.

Below are links to the results from ICARUS – Favorite Location Study published in the Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science journal:

Education

PhD, Department of Geography & Planning, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario

MPhil Developmental Geography, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

BA Geography & Resource Development, University of Ghana, Accra

Honors and awards

Principal's International Doctoral Award, Queen’s University (201520162017)

Quota Scheme Scholarship, Department of Sociology & Human Geography, University of Oslo (201220132014)

Areas of research and study

Aging and the Life Course

Alternative Medicine

Child Health

Complementary Medicine

Environmental Public Health Services

Immigrant Health

Public Health Policy

Social Determinants of Health

Socio-cultural Identities and Health Seeking Behaviors

Traditional Medicine

Urban Geography

Violence and Victimisation

Women's Health

Publications

Climate-Relate Thermal Stress and Maternal Vulnerability: A Global Study of Pregnancy Outcomes Using Physiologically-Based Heat Indices

Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Abstract

Abstract

Depression Risk and Urban Environmental Determinants in a Rapidly Urbanising African City: A Spatial Bayesian Analysis in Accra, Ghana

Amegbor, P. M., Agyabeng, K., Yang, X., Fanshun, S., Quansah, R., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Health & Place

Abstract

Abstract

Geographic and Temporal Differences in Sickle Cell Disease Hospitalizations in New York State from 2009–2022.

Iloegbu,, E., Odumegwu, J., Gyamfi, J., Patena, J., Vieira, D., Wang, X., Amesimeku, E., Amegbor, P. M., Campbell, A., Ogunlesi, F., Ozoh, U., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

JamaNewtworkOpen,

Volume

Issue

Page(s)

e2610045

Abstract

Abstract

Mapping Hypertension Risk and Its Socioecological Determinants in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA): A Spatial Bayesian Analysis.

Amegbor, P. M., Quansah, R., Agyabeng, K., Yang, X., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology

Abstract

Abstract

Quantifying personal exposure to traffic and household air pollution: a pilot study among street traders in Lagos, Nigeria

Ozoh, O., Amegbor, P. M., Adeyeye, O., Ekete, O., Fapohunda, V., Adetona, O., & Barrat, B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Journal of Global Health

Abstract

Abstract

Assessing the Effect of Pre- and Post-natal Environmental Exposures, Geographic Factors and Socio-Economic Conditions on Acute Respiratory Infections among Children Under Five in Sub-Saharan Africa – A Machine Learning Approach

Wang, R., Siguenza, C., Dadwal-Gupta, E., North, H., Wu, R., Yang, X., Zhang, Z., & Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

PLOS One

Abstract

Abstract

Burden of hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias in the World Health Organization African region, 2000-2021: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study

Failed generating bibliography.

Publication year

2025

Journal title

PLOS global public health

Volume

Issue

Page(s)

e0005197

Abstract

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemias (HHA) are genetic blood disorders associated with diverse clinical complications, affecting an estimated 2.1 billion people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) African Region accounts for approximately 425.8 million individuals, or 20% of the global HHA prevalence, yet comprehensive assessments of this burden have been lacking. We present the first systematic analysis of HHA burden in the WHO African Region from 2000-2021 using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. We estimated regional, sex-, and age-specific rates (per 100,000 population) of mortality, incidence at birth, and years lived with disability (YLDs) in five-year intervals. Mortality estimates were generated using the Cause of Death Ensemble model (CODEm), supplemented with spatiotemporal Gaussian process regression. Incidence at birth was estimated using DisMod-MR 2.1, a Bayesian meta-regression tool, while YLDs were calculated by multiplying prevalence by disability weights reflecting severity and duration. Between 2000 and 2021, the WHO African Region experienced persistently higher age-standardized death rates from HHA compared to global levels, although regional mortality declined over the period. Sickle cell disorder (SCD) was the predominant contributor, with the highest mortality [3.68 deaths (95% UI 2.04-6.29) per 100,000] and disability burden [41.08 YLDs (95% UI 26.09-58.61)], while thalassemias contributed the least. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were concentrated in western sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 71.3% of the regional burden. Age-specific estimates revealed that children under five years faced a disproportionate share of mortality and disability. Despite overall declines in mortality, the WHO African Region continues to bear a disproportionate global burden of HHA, particularly affecting young children. These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened newborn screening, early treatment, and health system interventions to reduce preventable deaths and disability.

Effect Modification of Vegetation Cover on the Impact of Climate Anomalies and Air Pollution on Spontaneous Miscarriage: A Case Study of Ghana

Amegbor, P. M., Quansah, R., & Gu, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Abstract

Abstract

Exploring the effect of early-life climate anomalies on child growth in Sub-Saharan African context : Insight from the demographic & health survey

Amegbor, P. M., Lapurga, K., Carr, E., Guerrero, M., Babayode, O., Crisci, S. E., Fang, X. Y., Siddeky, A., & Quansah, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Science of the Total Environment

Volume

983

10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179658

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Childhood malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with about 30 % of children affected by stunting, a marker of chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies during early development. While previous research suggests a link between climatic conditions and child growth, a deeper understanding is needed, particularly across diverse climatic zones. This study explores the impact of prenatal and postnatal climate anomalies (temperature and precipitation) on stunted growth among children in SSA. Methods: We analyzed health and demographic data from 30 SSA countries (2004–2021) within a Big Data framework, incorporating climatic and environmental data. Using three Bayesian hierarchical models, we examined the linear associations between pre- and post-natal climate anomalies and stunted growth, focusing on deviations from reference period means. Findings: Approximately 34.5 % of children in the study were stunted. The analysis identified significant associations between maximum temperature anomalies and increased stunting, while mean temperature and precipitation anomalies had varying effects. Reduced maximum temperatures were linked to lower stunting rates, whereas increased temperatures consistently correlated with higher stunting probabilities. Additionally, children residing in the Tropical Monsoon (Am) zone had a lower likelihood of stunting, whereas certain temperate zones were associated with increased stunting. Interpretation: The study highlights a complex relationship between climate anomalies and child growth in SSA. It underscores the need for targeted, context-specific policies that integrate climate adaptation with child health initiatives to address the growing impacts of climate change on child health in the region.

Exploring the effect of early-life climate anomalies on child growth in Sub-Saharan African context: Insight from the demographic & health survey

Amegbor, P. M., Lapurga, K., Carr, E., Guerrero, M., Babayode, O., Sarah, C. E., Fang, X. Y., Siddeky, A., & Quansah, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Science of the Total Environment

Volume

983

Abstract

Abstract

Kitchen cooking burns : A real danger for adults and children in Ghana

Codjoe, A. B., Asare, L. S., Tettey, P., Ochieng, C., Amegbor, P. M., Boateng, G., Sackey, B., Addade, M., Norvivor, F. A., & Quansah, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Burns

Volume

Issue

10.1016/j.burns.2025.107458

Abstract

Abstract

Background: In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), stove and fuel stacking are frequent practices. However, the impact of stacking on health, particularly cooking-related burns (CRBs), is unknown. This study aims to examine the prevalence and severity of CRBs and to identify associated household factors. Emphasis was placed on cooking behaviors and practices (i.e., fuel choice and stacking) that influence CRBs. Methods: This study is a baseline for the Briquette for Cooking Fuel Project (B4CcokingF), a cluster randomized controlled trial in riparian communities in southern Ghana. The baseline data collection started in June 2019 and ended in October 2022. To start with, trained field workers, led by a community representative, visited eligible households (HHs) in each community and conducted interviews with a structured questionnaire. 420 primary cooks age between 25 and 68 years were interviewed on cooking behaviour and practices as well as cooking-related burns and injuries using a slightly modified, well-established, and validated World Health Organization (WHO)-harmonized questionnaire to monitor household energy use and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. Results: CRBs were prevalent in 31.8 % of adult primary cooks. The majority of moderate and severe CRBs—roughly 61 % and 27 %, respectively—occurred in the kitchen by contact with a hot stove. Belonging to a middle wealth index status was protective against CRBs in adults but having more than 10 people in a HH was a significant risk factor of adult CRBs. A unit increase in the number of rooms in a HH was associated with a 43 % increase in the risk of CRBs in adults. Approximately 16 % of children suffer from CRBs, and 64 % sustain severe burns, with the majority of these incidents occurring in the kitchen at home. A HH having a family size of 6–10 was positively associated with CRBs, but using an LPG cookstove was protective in children. Mixed stacking defined as stacking LPG with polluting fuel (PR=2.10, 95 %, confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 3.94) was associated with CRBs in children but not adults. Conclusion: Factors associated with adult CRBs include middle wealth index status, the number of rooms in a household, and having more than 10 people in a household. Having a family size of 6–10 and the use of LPG by the HH were associated with child CRB risk. Mixed stacking is associated with CRBs in children, but the findings among adult cooks were inconclusive. The children population is disproportionately affected; therefore, it is essential to develop and execute customized preventative initiatives that cater to their specific vulnerabilities. The paramount objective of Ghana's initiatives to enhance access to liquefied petroleum gas should be the assurance of safe usage.

Mapping Favorite and Stressful Places in Accra: Psychosocial and Environmental Insights from Public Participation GIS (PPGIS)

Zhang, Z., Xia, X., Dong, J., Yang, X., Quansah, R., Rozhkov, A., Rozhkov, A., & Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Cities & Health

Abstract

Abstract

Sensor-Based Micro-Level Observations on Stress Spatial Distribution: A Case Study of Accra

Yang, X., Zhang, X., Anason, G., Reginald, Q., Zheng, Z., Rozhkov, A., Rozhkov, A., & Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Abstract

Abstract

Sensor-based Observation of Urban Stress in New York City

Zhang, X., Yang, X., Rozhkov, A., Rozhkov, A., Amegbor, P. M., & Zhang, Z. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Abstract

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and self-reported food insecurity among women in Burkina Faso : evidence from the performance monitoring for action (PMA) COVID-19 survey data

Yankey, O., Essah, M., & Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

BMC Women's Health

Volume

Issue

10.1186/s12905-025-03565-x

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread economic disruptions, with government-imposed restrictions and lockdowns significantly affecting livelihoods globally. Burkina Faso, a country with pre-existing vulnerabilities in food security, experienced considerable challenges during this period. The aim of this study was to examine how COVID-19-related income losses is associated with self-reported food insecurity among women in Burkina Faso in 2020. The study also examined whether there was an increase in self-reported food insecurity among women during the COVID-19 restrictions compared with the pre-pandemic era. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) female survey, which included 3,499 women from Burkina Faso. This study examined the associations between socioeconomic variables, such as age, education, household income loss, and food insecurity. We conducted two analyses using logistic regression. The first analysis focused on self-reported food insecurity and its association with the socioeconomic variables, and the second analysis focused on whether there was an increase in self-reported food insecurity compared with pre-pandemic levels and its association with the socioeconomic factors. We controlled for relevant confounders in the analysis and presented the results as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Our findings indicated that 16.97% of women reported experiencing food insecurity during the pandemic period. Compared with women with no income loss, women who experienced partial household income loss were 1.82 times (95% CI: 0.98–3.38) more likely to report food insecurity, whereas those who experienced complete income loss were 5.16 times (95% CI: 2.28–9.43) more likely to report food insecurity. The study, however, did not find a statistically significant increase in self-reported food insecurity due to COVID-19 restrictions compared with pre-pandemic levels. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that income loss due to COVID-19 restrictions profoundly affected women’s food security in Burkina Faso. The significant associations between income loss and increased food insecurity underscore the need for targeted interventions and safety nets to support women during public health crises.

The COVID-19 pandemic and self-reported food insecurity among women in Burkina Faso: evidence from the performance monitoring for action (PMA) COVID-19 survey data

Amegbor, P. M., Yankey, O., Essah, M., & Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

BMC WOMENS HEALTH

Volume

Issue

Abstract

Abstract

The effect of climate anomalies and ambient air pollution on spontaneous miscarriage in Ghana.

Amegbor, P. M., Gu, L., & Quansah, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Environmental Epidemiology

Volume

Issue

Page(s)

e420

Abstract

Abstract

Urban Pulse: Mapping and Understanding the Risk Predictors of Hypertension in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana

Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Abstract

Abstract

Contributing Effects of Climate Change, Ambient Air Pollution and Environmental Assets on Childhood Health Outcomes: A Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa

Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Abstract

Abstract

Exploring Early-life Climate Anomalies and Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Across Sub-Saharan Africa - A Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Perspective

Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Abstract

Abstract

Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Failed generating bibliography.

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Lancet (London, England)

Volume

403

Issue

10440

Page(s)

2100-2132

Abstract

Abstract

Regular, detailed reporting on population health by underlying cause of death is fundamental for public health decision making. Cause-specific estimates of mortality and the subsequent effects on life expectancy worldwide are valuable metrics to gauge progress in reducing mortality rates. These estimates are particularly important following large-scale mortality spikes, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. When systematically analysed, mortality rates and life expectancy allow comparisons of the consequences of causes of death globally and over time, providing a nuanced understanding of the effect of these causes on global populations.

Global incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 371 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Failed generating bibliography.

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Lancet (London, England)

Volume

403

Issue

10440

Page(s)

2133-2161

Abstract

Abstract

Detailed, comprehensive, and timely reporting on population health by underlying causes of disability and premature death is crucial to understanding and responding to complex patterns of disease and injury burden over time and across age groups, sexes, and locations. The availability of disease burden estimates can promote evidence-based interventions that enable public health researchers, policy makers, and other professionals to implement strategies that can mitigate diseases. It can also facilitate more rigorous monitoring of progress towards national and international health targets, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. For three decades, the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) has filled that need. A global network of collaborators contributed to the production of GBD 2021 by providing, reviewing, and analysing all available data. GBD estimates are updated routinely with additional data and refined analytical methods. GBD 2021 presents, for the first time, estimates of health loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990-2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Failed generating bibliography.

Publication year

2024

Journal title

The Lancet. Neurology

Volume

Issue

Page(s)

973-1003

Abstract

Abstract

Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990-2021.

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2021 : a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

GBD 2021 Stroke Risk Factor Collaborators, A., Feigin, V. L., Abate, M. D., Abate, Y. H., Abd ElHafeez, S., Abd-Allah, F., Abdelalim, A., Abdelkader, A., Abdelmasseh, M., Abd-Elsalam, S., Abdi, P., Abdollahi, A., Abdoun, M., Abd-Rabu, R., Abdulah, D. M., Abdullahi, A., Abebe, M., Abeldaño Zuñiga, R. A., Abhilash, E. S., … Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

The Lancet Neurology

Volume

Issue

Page(s)

973-1003

10.1016/S1474-4422(24)00369-7

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Up-to-date estimates of stroke burden and attributable risks and their trends at global, regional, and national levels are essential for evidence-based health care, prevention, and resource allocation planning. We aimed to provide such estimates for the period 1990–2021. Methods: We estimated incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) counts and age-standardised rates per 100 000 people per year for overall stroke, ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, and subarachnoid haemorrhage, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We also calculated burden of stroke attributable to 23 risk factors and six risk clusters (air pollution, tobacco smoking, behavioural, dietary, environmental, and metabolic risks) at the global and regional levels (21 GBD regions and Socio-demographic Index [SDI] quintiles), using the standard GBD methodology. 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for each individual future estimate were derived from the 2·5th and 97·5th percentiles of distributions generated from propagating 500 draws through the multistage computational pipeline. Findings: In 2021, stroke was the third most common GBD level 3 cause of death (7·3 million [95% UI 6·6–7·8] deaths; 10·7% [9·8–11·3] of all deaths) after ischaemic heart disease and COVID-19, and the fourth most common cause of DALYs (160·5 million [147·8–171·6] DALYs; 5·6% [5·0–6·1] of all DALYs). In 2021, there were 93·8 million (89·0–99·3) prevalent and 11·9 million (10·7–13·2) incident strokes. We found disparities in stroke burden and risk factors by GBD region, country or territory, and SDI, as well as a stagnation in the reduction of incidence from 2015 onwards, and even some increases in the stroke incidence, death, prevalence, and DALY rates in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania, countries with lower SDI, and people younger than 70 years. Globally, ischaemic stroke constituted 65·3% (62·4–67·7), intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 28·8% (28·3–28·8), and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 5·8% (5·7–6·0) of incident strokes. There were substantial increases in DALYs attributable to high BMI (88·2% [53·4–117·7]), high ambient temperature (72·4% [51·1 to 179·5]), high fasting plasma glucose (32·1% [26·7–38·1]), diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages (23·4% [12·7–35·7]), low physical activity (11·3% [1·8–34·9]), high systolic blood pressure (6·7% [2·5–11·6]), lead exposure (6·5% [4·5–11·2]), and diet low in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (5·3% [0·5–10·5]). Interpretation: Stroke burden has increased from 1990 to 2021, and the contribution of several risk factors has also increased. Effective, accessible, and affordable measures to improve stroke surveillance, prevention (with the emphasis on blood pressure, lifestyle, and environmental factors), acute care, and rehabilitation need to be urgently implemented across all countries to reduce stroke burden. Funding: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Global, regional, and national incidence and mortality burden of non-COVID lower respiratory infections and aetiologies, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021

Amegbor, P. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Abstract

Prince Michael Amegbor