Study: Impact of Ambient Heat Exposure on Hospitalizations Among Individuals with Chronic Diseases

The Impact of Chronic Diseases on Hospitalizations During Hot Weather: New Study Reveals Vulnerable Subgroups

A recent study published in eBioMedicine has shed light on the impact of ambient heat exposure on hospitalizations among individuals with varying numbers and combinations of chronic diseases. The findings reveal a concerning trend where as the number of chronic diseases increased, particularly among older individuals, males, and non-indigenous people, the odds of hospitalization associated with heat exposure also increased.

The study, conducted in Queensland, Australia, analyzed data from emergency hospitalizations over a 12-year period in eight cities/communities. Researchers categorized individuals into different groups based on age, sex, indigenous status, and socioeconomic status, and identified chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mental disorders, asthma/COPD, and chronic kidney disease.

The results showed that older individuals with multiple chronic diseases had significantly higher odds of hospitalizations associated with a 5°C increase in mean temperature. Asthma/COPD and chronic kidney disease, either alone or in combination with other diseases, were linked to the largest odds of hospitalizations. Additionally, individuals with multimorbidity experienced increased odds of cause-specific hospitalizations during hot weather, highlighting their heightened vulnerability.

The study emphasizes the importance of considering multimorbidity in heat-health action plans to target interventions effectively during heat waves. While the findings provide valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the influence of chronic disease duration and severity on heat health risks and to develop strategies for reducing heat-related health risks in vulnerable subgroups.

Overall, this study underscores the need for tailored approaches in heat-health planning to protect individuals with chronic diseases, especially those with multimorbidity, from the adverse effects of heat exposure.