Impact of Temperature on Hospital Stay for Heart and Lung Patients in Hong Kong
Author Information
Author(s): Long Chenxiang, Guo Shengyu, Tian Ping, Sun Yingying
Primary Institution: Guizhou Medical University
Hypothesis
Is there an association between daily variation in ambient temperature and the total length of hospital stay for cardiopulmonary patients?
Conclusion
Extreme temperatures were associated with increased hospital stay durations for cardiopulmonary patients in Hong Kong's older adult population.
Supporting Evidence
- Both cold and heat were associated with increased total length of stay for cardiopulmonary disease.
- Temperature-related hospital stay days increased significantly during extreme temperature events.
- 11.5% of total length of stay for cardiovascular disease was attributed to non-optimal temperatures.
- 10.7% of total length of stay for respiratory disease was attributed to non-optimal temperatures.
- Cold temperatures had a greater impact on hospital stay duration than heat.
Takeaway
When it's really hot or really cold, people with heart and lung problems have to stay in the hospital longer.
Methodology
Generalized linear regression with a distributed lag non-linear model using 13 years of time-series data on daily temperature and hospital admissions.
Potential Biases
Potential exposure misclassification could bias results toward the null hypothesis.
Limitations
Exposure measurement errors for ambient temperature and outdated data may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Older adults aged 65 and over in Hong Kong.
Statistical Information
P-Value
11.5% for cardiovascular disease, 10.7% for respiratory disease attributable to non-optimal temperature.
Confidence Interval
95% empirical CI: 5.3–17.2% for cardiovascular disease, 95% empirical CI: 7.1–13.9% for respiratory disease.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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