A predictive model relating daily fluctuations in summer temperatures and mortality rates
2007

Temperature and Mortality in France: A 29-Year Study

Sample size: 3538 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Fouillet Anne, Rey Grégoire, Jougla Eric, Frayssinet Philippe, Bessemoulin Pierre, Hémon Denis

Primary Institution: INSERM, U754, Villejuif, France

Hypothesis

What is the relationship between daily fluctuations in summer temperatures and mortality rates in France?

Conclusion

There is a strong correlation between daily fluctuations in mortality and summer temperatures in France, and the model can predict mortality during heat waves.

Supporting Evidence

  • The model explained 76% of the total over-dispersion in mortality rates.
  • The correlation between observed and estimated mortality ratios was 0.88.
  • Daily mortality rates were modeled using a generalized estimating equations approach.

Takeaway

When it gets really hot in summer, more people tend to die, and scientists made a model to help predict this.

Methodology

The study used Poisson regression to model daily mortality rates based on temperature data from 97 meteorological stations over 29 years.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the geographic variability in temperature and mortality data.

Limitations

The model may not account for all environmental factors influencing mortality, such as air pollution.

Participant Demographics

Subjects aged over 55 years in France.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0000

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-7-114

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