Yeungnam Univ J Med.  2019 Sep;36(3):241-248. 10.12701/yujm.2019.00248.

Determining the correlation between outdoor heatstroke incidence and climate elements in Daegu metropolitan city

• Kim JH
• Ryoo HW
• Moon S
• Jang TC
• Jin SC
• Mun YH
• Do BS
• Lee SB
• Kim JY

• KMID: 2460193
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.2019.00248

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Heatstroke is one of the most serious heat-related illnesses. However, establishing public policies to prevent heatstroke remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the most relevant climate elements and their warning criteria to prevent outdoor heatstroke (OHS).
METHODS
We investigated heatstroke patients from five major hospitals in Daegu metropolitan city, Korea, from June 1 to August 31, 2011 to 2016. We also collected the corresponding regional climate data from Korea Meteorological Administration. We analyzed the relationship between the climate elements and OHS occurrence by logistic regression.
RESULTS
Of 70 patients who had heatstroke, 45 (64.3%) experienced it while outdoors. Considering all climate elements, only mean heat index (MHI) was related with OHS occurrence (p=0.019). Therefore, the higher the MHI, the higher the risk for OHS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.824; 95% confidence interval, 1.102-3.017). The most suitable cutoff point for MHI by Youden's index was 30.0°C (sensitivity, 77.4%; specificity, 73.7%).
CONCLUSION
Among the climate elements, MHI was significantly associated with OHS occurrence. The optimal MHI cutoff point for OHS prevention was 30.0°C.

Keyword

Climate; Heatstroke; Incidence; Meteorology; Policy

MeSH Terms

Climate*
Daegu*
Heat Stroke*
Hot Temperature
Humans
Incidence*
Korea
Logistic Models
Meteorology
Odds Ratio
Public Policy
Sensitivity and Specificity

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flow chart of study population. CNS, central nervous system.

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  Fig. 2. Outdoor heatstroke occurrence by categories of heat index.

Reference

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