Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://hdl.handle.net/2440/43668
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Morbidity and mortality during heatwaves in metropolitan Adelaide |
Author: | Nitschke, M. Tucker, G. Bi, P. |
Citation: | Medical Journal of Australia, 2007; 187(11-12):662-665 |
Publisher: | Australasian Med Publ Co Ltd |
Issue Date: | 2007 |
ISSN: | 0025-729X 1326-5377 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Monika Nitschke, Graeme R Tucker and Peng Bi |
Abstract: | Objective: To investigate morbidity and mortality associated with heatwaves in metropolitan Adelaide using ambulance, hospital admission, and mortality data. Design, participants and setting: Case-series study comparing health risks in the Adelaide metropolitan population during heatwaves and non-heatwave periods. Main outcome measures: Daily observations for ambulance transports (1993–2006), hospital admissions (1993–2006), and mortality (1993–2004), categorised using International classification of diseases (ninth and tenth revisions) codes for the relevant disease groups. Results: During heatwaves, total ambulance transport increased by 4% (95% CI, 1%–7%), including significant assault-related increases for people aged 15–64 years. Reductions were observed in relation to cardiac, sports- and falls-related events. Total hospital admissions increased by 7% (95% CI, − 1% to 16%). Total mental health admissions increased by 7% (95% CI, 1%–13%), and total renal admissions by 13% (95% CI, 3%–25%). Ischaemic heart disease admissions increased by 8% (95% CI, 1%–15%) among people aged 65–74 years. Total mortality, disease- and age-specific mortality did not increase, apart from a small increase in mental health-related mortality in people aged 65–74 years. Significant decreases were observed in cardiovascular-related mortality. Conclusion: In contrast to evidence from extreme heatwaves in the northern hemisphere, we found no excess mortality during heatwaves in metropolitan Adelaide, perhaps because of adaptive behaviour to regular hot weather spells. Projected temperature increases and evidence of modest increases in morbidity during heatwaves indicate the need for a heatwave response plan for Adelaide. |
Keywords: | Humans Heat Stroke Patient Admission Morbidity Adolescent Adult Aged Middle Aged Child Child, Preschool Infant Urban Population South Australia |
Description: | The document attached has been archived with permission from the editor of the Medical Journal of Australia. An external link to the publisher’s copy is included. |
Rights: | Copyright © 2007 The Medical Journal of Australia |
DOI: | 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2007.tb01466.x |
Published version: | http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/187_11_031207/nit10385_fm.html |
Appears in Collections: | Aurora harvest Environment Institute publications Public Health publications |
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hdl_43668.pdf | Published version | 185.18 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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