Citation

Kim JH, Ryoo HW, Moon S, Jang TC, Jin SC, Mun YH, Do BS, Lee SB, Kim JY. Yeungnam Univ. J. Med. 2019; 36(3): 241-248.

Affiliation

Department of Preventive Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Yŏngnam Taehakkyo Ŭikwa Taehak)

DOI

10.12701/yujm.2019.00248

PMID

31620639

PMCID

PMC6784657

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.

Copyright © 2019 Yeungnam University College of Medicine.

Language: en

Keywords

Climate; Heatstroke; Incidence; Meteorology; Policy