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Tran NQL, Nguyen TTV, Chu C, Phung H, Nghiem S, Phung D. Ambient Temperature Effects on Hospitalization Risk Among Farmers: A Time-Series Study on Multiple Diseases in Vietnam. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:321-328. [PMID: 38234216 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to assess the effect of high temperatures on hospitalization for all causes and heat-sensitive diseases among Vietnamese farmers. METHODS The Poisson generalized linear model and distributed lag nonlinear model were used to investigate the temperature-hospitalization association for all causes and seven cause-specific disease groups. RESULTS Every 1°C increase in daily mean temperature above the threshold increased the estimated relative risk (95% CI) of all-cause hospitalization by 1.022 (0.998-1.047) at the country level, 1.047 (1.007-1.089) in the south, and 0.982 (0.958-1.006) in the north. Infectious disease hospitalization was most affected by high temperatures (1.098 [1.057-1.140]). High temperatures significantly increased the risk of all-cause hospitalization for farmers 60 years and younger in three of the six provinces. CONCLUSIONS The findings emphasized the need for health promotion programs to prevent heat-related health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nu Quy Linh Tran
- From the Center for Environment and Population Health, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia (N.Q.L.T., C.C., H.P.); Graduate School of Public Health, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan (N.T.T.V.); Research School of Economics, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (S.N.); and School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (D.P.)
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Linh Tran NQ, Cam Hong Le HT, Pham CT, Nguyen XH, Tran ND, Thi Tran TH, Nghiem S, Ly Luong TM, Bui V, Nguyen-Huy T, Doan VQ, Dang KA, Thuong Do TH, Thi Ngo HK, Nguyen TV, Nguyen NH, Do MC, Ton TN, Thu Dang TA, Nguyen K, Tran XB, Thai P, Phung D. Climate change and human health in Vietnam: a systematic review and additional analyses on current impacts, future risk, and adaptation. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 40:100943. [PMID: 38116497 PMCID: PMC10730327 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate climate change's impact on health and adaptation in Vietnam through a systematic review and additional analyses of heat exposure, heat vulnerability, awareness and engagement, and projected health costs. Out of 127 reviewed studies, findings indicated the wider spread of infectious diseases, and increased mortality and hospitalisation risks associated with extreme heat, droughts, and floods. However, there are few studies addressing health cost, awareness, engagement, adaptation, and policy. Additional analyses showed rising heatwave exposure across Vietnam and global above-average vulnerability to heat. By 2050, climate change is projected to cost up to USD1-3B in healthcare costs, USD3-20B in premature deaths, and USD6-23B in work loss. Despite increased media focus on climate and health, a gap between public and government publications highlighted the need for more governmental engagement. Vietnam's climate policies have faced implementation challenges, including top-down approaches, lack of cooperation, low adaptive capacity, and limited resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nu Quy Linh Tran
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Australia
| | - Huynh Thi Cam Hong Le
- Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Xuan Huong Nguyen
- Centre for Scientific Research and International Collaboration, Phan Chau Trinh University, Quang Nam, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Dang Tran
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Son Nghiem
- Department of Health Economics, Wellbeing and Society, Australian National University, Australia
| | - Thi Mai Ly Luong
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Vietnam University of Science, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Bui
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Australia
| | - Thong Nguyen-Huy
- Centre for Applied Climate Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Australia
| | - Van Quang Doan
- Centre for Computational Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kim Anh Dang
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Thi Hoai Thuong Do
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hieu Kim Thi Ngo
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Ngoc Huy Nguyen
- Vietnam National University - Vietnam Japan University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Manh Cuong Do
- Health Environment Management Agency, Ministry of Health, Vietnam
| | | | - Thi Anh Thu Dang
- Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | - Kien Nguyen
- Hue University of Economics, Hue University, Hue City, Vietnam
| | | | - Phong Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Dung Phung
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Cheng Y, Yu Z, Xu C, Manoli G, Ren X, Zhang J, Liu Y, Yin R, Zhao B, Vejre H. Climatic and Economic Background Determine the Disparities in Urbanites' Expressed Happiness during the Summer Heat. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:10951-10961. [PMID: 37458710 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c01765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Climate-change-induced extreme weather events increase heat-related mortality and health risks for urbanites, which may also affect urbanites' expressed happiness (EH) and well-being. However, the links among EH, climate, and socioeconomic factors remain unclear. Here we collected ∼6 million geotagged tweets from 44 Chinese prefecture-level cities based on Sina Weibo and performed a quadratic regression model to explore the relationships between summer heat and EH. A three-stage analysis was developed to examine spatiotemporal heterogeneity and identify factors contributing to disparities in urbanites' EH. Results show that all cities exhibited a similar hump-shaped relationship, with an overall optimal temperature (OT) of 22.8 °C. The estimated OT varied geographically, with 25.3, 23.8, and 20.0 °C from north to south. Moreover, a 1 standard deviation increase in heatwave intensity was associated with a 0.813 (95% CI: 0.177, 1.449) standard deviation decrease in EH. Notably, within the geographic scope of this study, it was observed that urbanites in northern China and economically underdeveloped cities faced significantly lower heat risks during the summer heat. This research provides insight for future studies and practical applications concerning extreme weather events, urbanites' mental health, and sustainable urban development goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyi Cheng
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 2005, People's Republic of China
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaowu Yu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 2005, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Gabriele Manoli
- Laboratory of Urban and Environmental Systems, School of Architecture, Civil & Environmental Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Xiaopeng Ren
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinguang Zhang
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Liu
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Yin
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Zhao
- College of Landscape Architecture, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Henrik Vejre
- Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 1958, Denmark
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4
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Zong J, Wang L, Lu C, Du Y, Wang Q. Mapping health vulnerability to short-term summer heat exposure based on a directional interaction network: Hotspots and coping strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163401. [PMID: 37044341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Health risk resulting from non-optimal temperature exposure, referred to as "systematic risk", has been a sustainable-development challenge in the context of global warming. Previous studies have recognized interactions between and among system components while assessing the vulnerability to climate change, but have left open the question of indicator directional interactions. The question is important, not least because indicator directional association analysis provides guidance to address climate risks by revealing the key nodes and pathways. The purpose of this work was to assess health vulnerability to short-term summer heat exposure based on a directional interaction network. Bayesian network model and network analysis were used to conduct a directional interaction network. Using indicator directional associations as weights, a weighted technique for the order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method was then proposed to assess heat-related health vulnerability. Finally, hotspots and coping strategies were explored based on the directional interaction network and health vulnerability assessments. The results showed that (1) indicator directional interactions were revealed in the health vulnerability framework, and the interactions differed between northern and southern China; (2) there was a dramatic spatial imbalance of health vulnerability in China, with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region and the Yangtze River Basin identified as hotspots; (3) particulate matter and ozone were recognized as priority indicators in the most vulnerable cities of northern China, while summer heat exposure level and variation were priority indicators in southern China; and (4) adaptive capacity could alter the extent of risk; thus, mitigation and adaptation should be implemented in an integrated way. Our study has important implications for strengthening the theoretical basis for the vulnerability assessment framework by providing indicator directional associations and for guiding policy design in dealing with heat-related health vulnerability in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Zong
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lingli Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chunyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yajie Du
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Nguyen VT, Doan QV, Tran NN, Luong LTM, Chinh PM, Thai PK, Phung D, Le HHTC, Dang TN. The protective effect of green space on heat-related respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years of age in Hanoi, Vietnam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:74197-74207. [PMID: 35635669 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Combined effects of global warming and rapid urbanization replace green spaces with urban facilities. Children in urban areas are at a higher risk of heat-related adverse health effects. Our study aimed to examine the protective effect of urban green space on heat-related respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years of age in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. We estimated district-specific meteorological conditions from 2010 to 2014 by using a dynamic downscaling approach with a fine-resolution numerical climate model. The green space in each district was calculated using satellite data. The attributable fraction of heat-related respiratory hospitalization was estimated using a two-stage model, including a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) coupled with multivariate meta-analysis. The association between heat-related respiratory hospitalization and green spaces at the district level was explored using a linear regression model. The central districts were more crowded and hotter, with less green spaces than the outer districts. At temperatures > 34 °C (extreme heat threshold), the hospitalizations in the central districts increased significantly; however, in the outer districts, the hospitalization rate was insignificant. On average, extreme heat attributed 0.33% to citywide hospitalization, 0.35% in the center, and 0.32% in the outer region. Every 1% increase in the green space fraction will reduce heat-related respiratory hospitalization risk by 3.8%. Heat significantly increased the risk of respiratory hospitalization among children under 5 years in Hanoi, Vietnam. These findings are valuable for authorities to consider strategies to protect children's health against the effects of heat, including increasing green space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vien Truong Nguyen
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Quang-Van Doan
- Center for Computational Sciences, the University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ngoc Nguyen Tran
- School of Information and Communication Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ly Thi Mai Luong
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Pham Minh Chinh
- Faculty of Environmental Engineering, National University of Civil Engineering, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Dung Phung
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Hong H T C Le
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Tran Ngoc Dang
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
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Dang TN, Vy NTT, Thuong DTH, Phung D, Van Dung D, Le An P. Main and added effects of heatwaves on hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders in a tropical megacity of Vietnam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:59094-59103. [PMID: 35378653 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19898-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vietnam is highly vulnerable to climate change-related extreme weather events such as heatwaves. This study assesses the association between heatwaves and hospitalizations due to mental and behavioral disorders (MBDs) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). We collected daily MBD hospital admissions data at the HCMC Mental Health Hospital from 2017 to 2019. Heatwaves effects were characterized into the main effect (i.e., the intensity of temperature during heatwaves) and the added effect (i.e., the duration of heatwaves). Time series Poisson regression coupled with a distributed lag linear model (DLM) was used to quantify the 14-day lags effect of heatwaves. Confounders including long-term trend, seasonality, days of the week, holidays, and relative humidity were included in the model. Heatwaves increased all-cause MBD hospitalization by 62% (95%Cl, 36-93%) for the main effect and by 8% (95% Cl, - 3% to 19%) for the added effect. Noticeably, the group aged 18-60 years old was affected by the main effect of the heatwave, while the group aged 61 years and older was affected by the added effect of the heatwave. The effects of heatwaves differed among groups of MBD hospitalizations. The mental and behavioral disorder group due to psychoactive substance use was significantly affected by the main effect of heatwaves (RR:2.21; 95%Cl:1.55-3.15). The group of schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders were highly vulnerable towards both the main and the added effect of heatwaves with RR = 1.50 (95%CI, 1.20-1.86) and RR = 1.14 (95%CI, 1.01-1.30), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Ngoc Dang
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Thi Tuong Vy
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Do Thi Hoai Thuong
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Dung Phung
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Do Van Dung
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Pham Le An
- Family Medicine Center, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
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Mapping Heat-Health Vulnerability Based on Remote Sensing: A Case Study in Karachi. REMOTE SENSING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rs14071590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
As a result of global climate change, the frequency and intensity of heat waves have increased significantly. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), extreme temperatures in southwestern Pakistan have exceeded 54 °C in successive years. The identification and assessment of heat-health vulnerability (HHV) are important for controlling heat-related diseases and mortality. At present, heat waves have many definitions. To better describe the heat wave mortality risk, we redefine the heat wave by regarding the most frequent temperature (MFT) as the minimum temperature threshold for HHV for the first time. In addition, different indicators that serve as relevant evaluation factors of exposure, sensitivity and adaptability are selected to conduct a kilometre-level HHV assessment. The hesitant analytic hierarchy process (H-AHP) method is used to evaluate each index weight. Finally, we incorporate the weights into the data layers to establish the final HHV assessment model. The vulnerability in the study area is divided into five levels, high, middle-high, medium, middle-low and low, with proportions of 3.06%, 46.55%, 41.85%, 8.53% and 0%, respectively. Health facilities and urbanization were found to provide advantages for vulnerability reduction. Our study improved the resolution to describe the spatial heterogeneity of HHV, which provided a reference for more detailed model construction. It can help local government formulate more targeted control measures to reduce morbidity and mortality during heat waves.
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Valdez Fernández AL, Fernández-Silva CA, Bittner Hofmann CX, Mancilla Mancilla CR. Aproximaciones al concepto de vulnerabilidad desde la bioética: una revisión integradora. PERSONA Y BIOÉTICA 2022. [DOI: 10.5294/pebi.2021.25.2.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Para dar cuenta de la revisión integradora de literatura sobre el concepto de vulnerabilidad desde la bioética se analizó un corpus de 60 artículos publicados en español, inglés y portugués. Esto permitió identificar las tendencias temáticas: riesgo, susceptibilidad, autonomía y cultura en personas y comunidades; la aproximación metodológica ha sido mayormente desde un enfoque cualitativo; las disciplinas que más abordaron el concepto pertenecen a las ciencias humanas y sociales; los autores recomiendan realizar estudios del concepto desde la perspectiva de las personas y que los comités de ética revisen el consentimiento informado y las guías de información de acuerdo con estos resultados. Las categorías dan paso al concepto de vulnerabilidades, que en la bioética debe ser analizado más allá del principialismo.
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Talukder MR, Chu C, Rutherford S, Huang C, Phung D. The effect of high temperatures on risk of hospitalization in northern Vietnam. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:12128-12135. [PMID: 34561800 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16601-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vietnam is one Southeast Asian country most vulnerable to climate change. By the end of the twenty-first century, temperature could rise above 5°C across Vietnam according to the IPCC highest emission pathway scenario. However, research on the temperature-health effects from the geographically diverse sub-tropical northern region of Vietnam is limited making location specific health system preparedness difficult. This study examines the elevated temperature-hospitalization relationship for the seven provinces in northern Vietnam by using generalized linear and distributed lag models. A random-effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled temperature hospitalizations risks for all causes, and for infectious, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. The pooled estimates show a significant effect of high temperature on hospitalizations for the same day (lag 0), when a 1°C increase in temperature above 24°C was significantly associated with 1.1% (95% CI, 0.9-1.4%) increased risk for all-cause hospital admissions, 2.4% (95% CI, 1.9-2.9%) increased risk for infectious disease admissions, 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1-0.9%) increased risk for cardiovascular disease admissions, and 1.3% (95% CI, 0.9-1.6%) increased risk for respiratory disease admissions. This research adds to the scant evidence examining heat and health morbidity effects in sub-tropical climates and has important implications for better understanding and preparing for the future impacts of climate change related temperature on Vietnam residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Radwanur Talukder
- Menzies School of Health Research, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia.
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, NT, Australia.
| | - Cordia Chu
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shannon Rutherford
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | | | - Dung Phung
- Centre for Environment and Population Health, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Lohrey S, Chua M, Gros C, Faucet J, Lee JKW. Perceptions of heat-health impacts and the effects of knowledge and preventive actions by outdoor workers in Hanoi, Vietnam. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 794:148260. [PMID: 34328123 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Extreme heat is an increasing climate threat, most pronounced in urban areas where poor populations are at particular risk. We analyzed heat impacts and vulnerabilities of 1027 outdoor workers who participated in a KAP survey in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2018, and the influence of their mitigation actions, their knowledge of heat-risks, and access to early warnings. We grouped respondents by their main income (vendors, builders, shippers, others, multiple jobs, and non-working) and analyzed their reported heat-health impacts, taking into consideration socioeconomics, knowledge of heat impacts and preventive measures, actions taken, access to air-conditioning, drinking amounts and use of weather forecasts. We applied linear and logistic regression analyses using R. Construction workers were younger and had less knowledge of heat-health impacts, but also reported fewer symptoms. Older females were more likely to report symptoms and visit a doctor. Access to air-conditioning in the bedroom depended on age and house ownership, but did not influence heat impacts as cooling was too expensive. Respondents who knew more heat exhaustion symptoms were more likely to report impacts (p < 0.01) or consult a doctor (p < 0.05). Similarly, those who checked weather updates were more likely to report heat impacts (p < 0.01) and experienced about 0.6 more symptoms (p < 0.01). Even though occupation type did not explain heat illness, builders knew considerably less (40%; p < 0.05) about heat than other groups but were twice as likely to consult a doctor than street vendors (p < 0.01). Knowledge of preventive actions and taking these actions both correlated positively with reporting of heat-health symptoms, while drinking water did not reduce these symptoms (p < 0.01). Child carers and homeowners experienced income losses in heatwaves (p < 0.01). The differences support directed actions, such as dissemination of educational materials and weather forecasts for construction workers. The Red Cross assisted all groups with cooling tents, provision of drinks and health advice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lohrey
- Sustainability Economics of Human Settlements, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - M Chua
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - C Gros
- Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - J Faucet
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Asia Pacific Regional Office, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J K W Lee
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Human Potential Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Global Asia Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore; The Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
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