Temperature and Hospital Admissions in Copenhagen
Author Information
Author(s): Wichmann Janine, Andersen Zorana, Ketzel Matthias, Ellermann Thomas, Loft Steffen
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
What is the association between daily maximum apparent temperature and emergency hospital admissions for respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases in Copenhagen?
Conclusion
An increase in apparent temperature is associated with a slight increase in respiratory disease admissions and a decrease in cardiovascular disease admissions during warmer months.
Supporting Evidence
- An IQR increase in Tappmax was associated with a 7% increase in respiratory disease admissions during warm periods.
- An IQR increase in Tappmax was associated with an 8% decrease in cardiovascular disease admissions during warm periods.
- No association was found between Tappmax and cerebrovascular disease admissions.
Takeaway
When it gets hotter, more people go to the hospital for breathing problems, but fewer for heart problems.
Methodology
A case-crossover design was used to analyze hospital admission data from 2002 to 2006, controlling for air pollution and stratifying by age, sex, and socio-economic status.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to misclassification of disease and the assumption that outdoor temperature reflects personal exposure.
Limitations
The study assumes that outdoor temperature and humidity are the same across Greater Copenhagen, which may not be accurate.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults over 18 years old living in Greater Copenhagen, with a focus on different age and socio-economic status groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1%, 13% for RD; 95% CI: -13%, -4% for CVD
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website