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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Development of health risk-based metrics for defining a heatwave: a time series study in Brisbane, Australia

Authors: Shilu Tong, Xiao Yu Wang, Gerry FitzGerald, David McRae, Gerard Neville, Vivienne Tippett, Peter Aitken, Ken Verrall

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

This study attempted to develop health risk-based metrics for defining a heatwave in Brisbane, Australia.

Methods

Poisson generalised additive model was performed to assess the impact of heatwaves on mortality and emergency hospital admissions (EHAs) in Brisbane.

Results

In general, the higher the intensity and the longer the duration of a heatwave, the greater the health impacts. There was no apparent difference in EHAs risk during different periods of a warm season. However, there was a greater risk for mortality in the 2nd half of a warm season than that in the 1st half. While elderly (≥75 years) were particularly vulnerable to both the EHA and mortality effects of a heatwave, the risk for EHAs also significantly increased for two other age groups (0 – 64 years and 65 – 74 years) during severe heatwaves. Different patterns between cardiorespiratory mortality and EHAs were observed. Based on these findings, we propose the use of a tiered heat warning system based on the health risk of heatwave.

Conclusions

Health risk-based metrics are a useful tool for the development of local heatwave definitions. This tool may have significant implications for the assessment of heatwave-related health consequences and development of heatwave response plans and implementation strategies.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Development of health risk-based metrics for defining a heatwave: a time series study in Brisbane, Australia
Authors
Shilu Tong
Xiao Yu Wang
Gerry FitzGerald
David McRae
Gerard Neville
Vivienne Tippett
Peter Aitken
Ken Verrall
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-435

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