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Lamanna J, Mazzoleni R, Farina R, Ferro M, Galentino R, Porta M, Malgaroli A. An Observational Longitudinal Study on Seasonal Variations in Tourette Syndrome: Evidence for a Role of Ambient Temperature in Tic Exacerbation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1668. [PMID: 39200133 PMCID: PMC11351247 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a high-incidence neurobehavioral disorder that generally begins in childhood. Several factors play a role in its etiology, including genetic influence and auto-immune activation by streptococcal infections. In general, symptoms subside after the end of adolescence, but, in a significant number of patients, they remain in adulthood. In this study, we evaluated temporal variations in the two core clinical features of TS including tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. An observational longitudinal study lasting 15 months (2017-2019) was conducted on a cohort of 24 people recruited in Milan (Italy) who were diagnosed with a subtype of TS known as obsessive-compulsive tic disorder. Inclusion criteria included a global score of the Yale global tic severity scale (Y-GTSS) > 50, a Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) global score > 15, and TS onset at least one year prior. Y-GTSS and Y-BOCS data were acquired at six time points, together with local environmental data. Tics, but not OCD symptoms, were found to be more severe in spring and summer compared with winter and autumn (p < 0.001). Changes in tics displayed an appreciable oscillation pattern in the same subject and also a clear synchrony among different subjects, indicating an external orchestrating factor. Ambient temperature showed a significant correlation with Y-GTSS measurements (p < 0.001). We argue that the increase in tics observed during hot seasons can be related to increasing ambient temperature. We believe that our results can shed light on the seasonal dynamics of TS symptomatology and provide clues for preventing their worsening over the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lamanna
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Riccardo Mazzoleni
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
| | - Ramona Farina
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Mattia Ferro
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud Private University, 20143 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Galentino
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Mauro Porta
- Tourette Center, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, 20157 Milan, Italy; (R.F.); (R.G.); (M.P.)
| | - Antonio Malgaroli
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Communication (BNC), Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (J.L.); (R.M.); (M.F.)
- Faculty of Psychology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Center Tourette Syndrome, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20127 Milan, Italy
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Runkle JD, Sugg MM, Berry A, Reed C, Cowan K, Wertis L, Ryan S. Association of Psychiatric Emergency Visits and Warm Ambient Temperature during Pregnancy: A Time-Stratified Case-Crossover Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:67001. [PMID: 38829735 PMCID: PMC11166382 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute exposure to high ambient temperature and heat waves during the warm season has been linked with psychiatric disorders. Emerging research has shown that pregnant people, due to physiological and psychological changes, may be more sensitive to extreme heat, and acute exposure has been linked to increased risk of pregnancy complications; however, few studies have examined psychiatric complications. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to examine the association between acute exposure to warm ambient temperatures and emergency department (ED) visits for mental disorders during pregnancy. METHODS A time-stratified case-crossover design with conditional logistic regression was performed on ∼ 206,000 psychiatric ED visits for pregnant patients in North Carolina, from May to September 2016 to 2019. Daily average ambient temperature was the main exposure and was linked to daily visits by maternal zip code of residence for prenatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD), severe mental illness (SMI), mental disorder of pregnancy (MDP), suicidal thoughts (SUIC), and any psychiatric disorder (Any). Effect modification by trimester, residential segregation, economic segregation, urbanicity, and availability of greenspace was also investigated. RESULTS Each 5 ° C increase in same-day exposure to warm ambient temperature on case days was associated with an increase in incidence rate ratio (IRR) for any psychiatric disorder [IRR = 1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.14] including anxiety (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.30), bipolar disorder (IRR = 1.28; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.67), and suicidal thoughts (IRR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.65) compared to control days. In general, the associations were strongest for warm season temperatures on the same day of exposure or for temperatures averaged over the 3 or 6 d preceding the ED visit. The greatest risk of an incident ED admission for PMAD (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.39), particularly for anxiety (RR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.59), and any psychiatric disorder (RR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.28) occurred following cumulative exposure to hot temperatures the week before admission. Higher psychiatric burden from temperature was observed in urban areas and on extreme heat days. CONCLUSIONS For this pregnant population in the southeastern United States, short-term exposure to high ambient temperatures during the warm season was associated with a greater risk of ED visits for an array of psychiatric disorders. Findings show that climate-related increases in ambient temperature may contribute to psychiatric morbidity in pregnant people. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13293.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Margaret M. Sugg
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne Berry
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Charlie Reed
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Cowan
- North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies, North Carolina State University, Asheville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Luke Wertis
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sophie Ryan
- Department of Geography and Planning, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina, USA
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Sisodiya SM, Gulcebi MI, Fortunato F, Mills JD, Haynes E, Bramon E, Chadwick P, Ciccarelli O, David AS, De Meyer K, Fox NC, Davan Wetton J, Koltzenburg M, Kullmann DM, Kurian MA, Manji H, Maslin MA, Matharu M, Montgomery H, Romanello M, Werring DJ, Zhang L, Friston KJ, Hanna MG. Climate change and disorders of the nervous system. Lancet Neurol 2024; 23:636-648. [PMID: 38760101 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(24)00087-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is affecting people's health, including those with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Currently, making inferences about the effect of climate change on neurological and psychiatric diseases is challenging because of an overall sparsity of data, differing study methods, paucity of detail regarding disease subtypes, little consideration of the effect of individual and population genetics, and widely differing geographical locations with the potential for regional influences. However, evidence suggests that the incidence, prevalence, and severity of many nervous system conditions (eg, stroke, neurological infections, and some mental health disorders) can be affected by climate change. The data show broad and complex adverse effects, especially of temperature extremes to which people are unaccustomed and wide diurnal temperature fluctuations. Protective measures might be possible through local forecasting. Few studies project the future effects of climate change on brain health, hindering policy developments. Robust studies on the threats from changing climate for people who have, or are at risk of developing, disorders of the nervous system are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK.
| | - Medine I Gulcebi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Francesco Fortunato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - James D Mills
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Ethan Haynes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont-St-Peter, UK
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul Chadwick
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Ciccarelli
- Department of Neuroinflammation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; National Institute of Health Research University College London Hospitals Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Anthony S David
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kris De Meyer
- UCL Climate Action Unit, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nick C Fox
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; Department of the UK Dementia Research Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Martin Koltzenburg
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Manju A Kurian
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Hadi Manji
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Mark A Maslin
- Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK; Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manjit Matharu
- Headache and Facial Pain Group, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK
| | - Hugh Montgomery
- Department of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marina Romanello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - David J Werring
- Stroke Research Centre, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Zhang
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Karl J Friston
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK; MRC International Centre for Genomic Medicine in Neuromuscular Diseases, Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
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Achebak H, Rey G, Chen ZY, Lloyd SJ, Quijal-Zamorano M, Méndez-Turrubiates RF, Ballester J. Heat Exposure and Cause-Specific Hospital Admissions in Spain: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:57009. [PMID: 38775486 PMCID: PMC11110655 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More frequent and intense exposure to extreme heat conditions poses a serious threat to public health. However, evidence on the association between heat and specific diagnoses of morbidity is still limited. We aimed to comprehensively assess the short-term association between cause-specific hospital admissions and high temperature, including the added effect of temperature variability and heat waves and the effect modification by humidity and air pollution. METHODS We used data on cause-specific hospital admissions, weather (i.e., temperature and relative humidity), and air pollution [i.e., fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μ m (PM 2.5 ), fine particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 μ m (PM 10 ), NO 2 , and ozone (O 3 )] for 48 provinces in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2019. The statistical analysis was performed for the summer season (June-September) and consisted of two steps. We first applied quasi-Poisson generalized linear regression models in combination with distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM) to estimate province-specific temperature-morbidity associations, which were then pooled through multilevel univariate/multivariate random-effect meta-analysis. RESULTS High temperature had a generalized impact on cause-specific hospitalizations, while the added effect of temperature variability [i.e., diurnal temperature range (DTR)] and heat waves was limited to a reduced number of diagnoses. The strongest impact of heat was observed for metabolic disorders and obesity [relative risk (RR) = 1.978; 95% empirical confidence interval (eCI): 1.772, 2.208], followed by renal failure (1.777; 95% eCI: 1.629, 1.939), urinary tract infection (1.746; 95% eCI: 1.578, 1.933), sepsis (1.543; 95% eCI: 1.387, 1.718), urolithiasis (1.490; 95% eCI: 1.338, 1.658), and poisoning by drugs and nonmedicinal substances (1.470; 95% eCI: 1.298, 1.665). We also found differences by sex (depending on the diagnosis of hospitalization) and age (very young children and the elderly were more at risk). Humidity played a role in the association of heat with hospitalizations from acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis and diseases of the muscular system and connective tissue, which were higher in dry days. Moreover, heat-related effects were exacerbated on high pollution days for metabolic disorders and obesity (PM 2.5 ) and diabetes (PM 10 , O 3 ). DISCUSSION Short-term exposure to heat was found to be associated with new diagnoses (e.g., metabolic diseases and obesity, blood diseases, acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis, muscular and connective tissue diseases, poisoning by drugs and nonmedicinal substances, complications of surgical and medical care, and symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions) and previously identified diagnoses of hospital admissions. The characterization of the vulnerability to heat can help improve clinical and public health practices to reduce the health risks posed by a warming planet. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13254.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hicham Achebak
- Inserm, France Cohortes, Paris, France
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
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Wu K, Tao J, Wu Q, Su H, Huang C, Xia Q, Zhu C, Wei J, Yang M, Yan J, Cheng J. A stronger association of mental disorders with smaller particulate matter and a modifying effect of air temperature. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123677. [PMID: 38447653 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Mental disorders (MDs) can be triggered by adverse weather conditions and particulate matter (PM) such as PM2.5 and PM10 (aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm and ≤10 μm). However, there is a dearth of evidence on the role of smaller PM (e.g. PM1, aerodynamic diameter ≤1 μm) and the potential modifying effects of weather conditions. We aimed to collect daily data on emergency department visits and hospitalisations for schizophrenia-, mood-, and stress-related disorders in a densely populated Chinese city (Hefei) between 2016 and 2019. A time-stratified case-crossover analysis was used to examine the short-term association of MDs with PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. The potential modifying effects of air temperature conditions (cold and warm days) were also explored. The three size-fractioned PMs were all associated with an increased risk of MDs; however, the association differed between emergency department visit and hospitalisation. Specifically, PM1 was primarily associated with an increased risk of emergency department visit, whereas PM2.5 was primarily associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation, and PM10 was associated with an increased risk of both emergency department visit and hospitalisation. The PM-MD association appeared to be greatest (although not significant) for PM1 (odds ratio range: 1.014-1.055), followed by PM2.5 (odds ratio range: 1.001-1.009) and PM10 (odds ratio range: 1.001-1.006). Furthermore, the PM-MD association was observed on cold days; notably, the association between PM and schizophrenia-related disorders was significant on both cold and warm days. Our results suggest that the smaller the PM, the greater the risk of MDs, and that the PM-MD association could be determined by air temperature conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Junwen Tao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Qiyue Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qingrong Xia
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China; Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China; Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Cuizhen Zhu
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China; Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China; Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, USA
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Junwei Yan
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Mental Health Center, Hefei, China; Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China; Anhui Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China.
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Wang JX, Liu XQ. Climate change, ambient air pollution, and students' mental health. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:204-209. [PMID: 38464763 PMCID: PMC10921291 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i2.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of global climate change and air pollution on mental health has become a crucial public health issue. Increased public awareness of health, advancements in medical diagnosis and treatment, the way media outlets report environmental changes and the variation in social resources affect psychological responses and adaptation methods to climate change and air pollution. In the context of climate change, extreme weather events seriously disrupt people's living environments, and unstable educational environments lead to an increase in mental health issues for students. Air pollution affects students' mental health by increasing the incidence of diseases while decreasing contact with nature, leading to problems such as anxiety, depression, and decreased cognitive function. We call for joint efforts to reduce pollutant emissions at the source, improve energy structures, strengthen environmental monitoring and gover-nance, increase attention to the mental health issues of students, and help student groups build resilience; by establishing public policies, enhancing social support and adjusting lifestyles and habits, we can help students cope with the constantly changing environment and maintain a good level of mental health. Through these comprehensive measures, we can more effectively address the challenges of global climate change and air pollution and promote the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Xuan Wang
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin-Qiao Liu
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Corvetto JF, Federspiel A, Sewe MO, Müller T, Bunker A, Sauerborn R. Impact of heat on mental health emergency visits: a time series study from all public emergency centres, in Curitiba, Brazil. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e079049. [PMID: 38135317 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Quantify the risk of mental health (MH)-related emergency department visits (EDVs) due to heat, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. DESIGN Daily time series analysis, using quasi-Poisson combined with distributed lag non-linear model on EDV for MH disorders, from 2017 to 2021. SETTING All nine emergency centres from the public health system, in Curitiba. PARTICIPANTS 101 452 EDVs for MH disorders and suicide attempts over 5 years, from patients residing inside the territory of Curitiba. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Relative risk of EDV (RREDV) due to extreme mean temperature (24.5°C, 99th percentile) relative to the median (18.02°C), controlling for long-term trends, air pollution and humidity, and measuring effects delayed up to 10 days. RESULTS Extreme heat was associated with higher single-lag EDV risk of RREDV 1.03(95% CI 1.01 to 1.05-single-lag 2), and cumulatively of RREDV 1.15 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.26-lag-cumulative 0-6). Strong risk was observed for patients with suicide attempts (RREDV 1.85, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.16) and neurotic disorders (RREDV 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.31). As to demographic subgroups, females (RREDV 1.20, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.34) and patients aged 18-64 (RREDV 1.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30) were significantly endangered. Extreme heat resulted in lower risks of EDV for patients with organic disorders (RREDV 0.60, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.89), personality disorders (RREDV 0.48, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.91) and MH in general in the elderly ≥65 (RREDV 0.77, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.98). We found no significant RREDV among males and patients aged 0-17. CONCLUSION The risk of MH-related EDV due to heat is elevated for the entire study population, but very differentiated by subgroups. This opens avenue for adaptation policies in healthcare: such as monitoring populations at risk and establishing an early warning systems to prevent exacerbation of MH episodes and to reduce suicide attempts. Further studies are welcome, why the reported risk differences occur and what, if any, role healthcare seeking barriers might play.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Federspiel
- Private Psychiatric Hospital, Meiringen, Switzerland
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maquins Odhiambo Sewe
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Sustainable health section, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Thomas Müller
- Private Psychiatric Hospital, Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aditi Bunker
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Rony MKK, Alamgir HM. High temperatures on mental health: Recognizing the association and the need for proactive strategies-A perspective. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1729. [PMID: 38059052 PMCID: PMC10696165 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The influence of temperature on various aspects of daily life is often underestimated, and its effects on mental health are not widely recognized. Understanding and addressing the relationship between temperature and mental well-being is crucial in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. This perspective aimed to investigate the effects of high temperatures on mental health and identify proactive strategies to mitigate these effects. Methods This perspective adopted a twofold approach, including a comprehensive literature review and socioecological framework. The literature review involved extensive searches across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles, and reports from diverse disciplines. Results The perspective emphasized the significance of recognizing heat stress and its consequences on mental well-being. Chronic heat stress can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Vulnerable populations include, the very young, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Socioeconomic factors can further exacerbate vulnerability, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to manage mental health challenges during high temperatures. Additionally, the article identified and discussed proactive coping strategies to minimize both the psychological and physical impacts of heat stress. Mindfulness, stress management techniques, and therapy are suggested as effective means for individuals to manage psychological distress. Conclusion Implementing preventive measures are essential steps in promoting mental wellness in high temperatures. Proactive strategies by addressing the physiological and psychological effects of heat and considering the specific needs of vulnerable populations can help individuals and communities navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and promote resilience and preserve their mental well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustaq Karim Khan Rony
- Department of Public HealthBangladesh Open UniversityGazipurBangladesh
- Department of Institute of Social Welfare and ResearchUniversity of DhakaDhakaBangladesh
| | - Hasnat M. Alamgir
- Department of Career & Professional Development Services (CPDS)Southeast UniversityDhakaBangladesh
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Hu J, Feng Y, Su H, Xu Z, Ho HC, Zheng H, Zhang W, Tao J, Wu K, Hossain MZ, Zhang Y, Hu K, Huang C, Cheng J. Seasonal peak and the role of local weather in schizophrenia occurrence: A global analysis of epidemiological evidence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 899:165658. [PMID: 37478950 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many studies have shown that the onset of schizophrenia peaked in certain months within a year and the local weather conditions could affect the morbidity risk of schizophrenia. This study aimed to conduct a systematic analysis of schizophrenia seasonality in different countries of the world and to explore the effects of weather factors globally. METHODS We searched three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure) for eligible studies published up to September 2022. Schizophrenia seasonality was compared between hemispheres and within China. A meta-analysis was conducted to pool excess risk (ER, absolute percentage increase in risk) of the onset of schizophrenia associated with various weather factors including temperature (an increase or decrease of temperature as a reflection of high or low temperature; heatwave; temperature variation), precipitation, etc. RESULTS: We identified 84 relevant articles from 22 countries, mainly in China. The seasonality analysis found that the onset of schizophrenia mostly peaked in the cold season in the southern hemisphere but in the warm season in the northern hemisphere. Interestingly in China, schizophrenia seasonality presented two peaks, respectively in the late cold and warm seasons. The meta-analysis further revealed an increased risk of schizophrenia after short-term exposure to high temperature [ER%: 0.45 % (95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.14 % to 0.76 %)], low temperature [ER%: 0.52 % (95%CI: 0.29 % to 0.75 %)], heatwave [ER%: 7.26 % (95%CI: 4.45 % to 10.14 %)], temperature variation [ER%: 1.02 % (95%CI: 0.55 % to 1.50 %)], extreme precipitation [ER%: 3.96 % (95%CI: 2.29 % to 5.67 %)]. The effect of other weather factors such as sunlight on schizophrenia was scarcely investigated with inconsistent findings. CONCLUSION This study provided evidence of intra- and inter-country variations in schizophrenia seasonality, especially the double-peak seasons in China. Exposure to local weather conditions mainly temperature changes and precipitation could affect the onset risk of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihong Hu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Yufan Feng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Hong Su
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Zhiwei Xu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hung Chak Ho
- Department of Public and International Affairs, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Department of Environmental Health, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Chinese PLA Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Junwen Tao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Keyu Wu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China
| | - Mohammad Zahid Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yunquan Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kejia Hu
- Department of Big Data in Health Science, School of Public Health, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cunrui Huang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Disease, Hefei, China.
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10
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de Schrijver E, Sivaraj S, Raible CC, Franco OH, Chen K, Vicedo-Cabrera AM. Nationwide projections of heat- and cold-related mortality impacts under various climate change and population development scenarios in Switzerland. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2023; 18:094010. [PMID: 38854588 PMCID: PMC7616072 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ace7e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Climate change and progressive population development (i.e., ageing and changes in population size) are altering the temporal patterns of temperature-related mortality in Switzerland. However, limited evidence exists on how current trends in heat- and cold-related mortality would evolve in future decades under composite scenarios of global warming and population development. Moreover, the contribution of these drivers to future mortality impacts is not well-understood. Therefore, we aimed to project heat- and cold-related mortality in Switzerland under various combinations of emission and population development scenarios and to disentangle the contribution of each of these two drivers using high-resolution mortality and temperature data. We combined age-specific (<75 and ⩾75 years) temperature-mortality associations in each district in Switzerland (1990-2010), estimated through a two-stage time series analysis, with 2 km downscaled CMIP5 temperature data and population and mortality rate projections under two scenarios: RCP4.5/SSP2 and RCP8.5/SSP5. We derived heat and cold-related mortality for different warming targets (1.5 °C, 2.0 °C and 3.0 °C) using different emission and population development scenarios and compared this to the baseline period (1990-2010). Heat-related mortality is projected to increase from 312 (116; 510) in the 1990-2010 period to 1274 (537; 2284) annual deaths under 2.0 °C of warming (RCP4.5/SSP2) and to 1871 (791; 3284) under 3.0 °C of warming (RCP8.5/SSP5). Cold-related mortality will substantially increase from 4069 (1898; 6016) to 6558 (3223; 9589) annual deaths under 2.0 °C (RCP4.5/SSP2) and to 5997 (2951; 8759) under 3.0 °C (RCP8.5/SSP5). Moreover, while the increase in cold-related mortality is solely driven by population development, for heat, both components (i.e., changes in climate and population) have a similar contribution of around 50% to the projected heat-related mortality trends. In conclusion, our findings suggest that both heat- and cold-related mortality will substantially increase under all scenarios of climate change and population development in Switzerland. Population development will lead to an increase in cold-related mortality despite the decrease in cold temperature under warmer scenarios. Whereas the combination of the progressive warming of the climate and population development will substantially increase and exacerbate the total temperature-related mortality burden in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan de Schrijver
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research (OCCR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sidharth Sivaraj
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research (OCCR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph C Raible
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research (OCCR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Climate and Environmental Physics, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University of Utrecht Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
- Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Ana M Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research (OCCR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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Bundo M, Preisig M, Merikangas K, Glaus J, Vaucher J, Waeber G, Marques-Vidal P, Strippoli MPF, Müller T, Franco O, Vicedo-Cabrera AM. How ambient temperature affects mood: an ecological momentary assessment study in Switzerland. Environ Health 2023; 22:52. [PMID: 37430261 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01003-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research has suggested that an increase in temperature can negatively affect mental health and increase hospitalization for mental illness. It is not clear, however, what factors or mechanisms mediate this association. We aimed to (1) investigate the associations between ambient temperatures and bad daily mood, and (2) identify variables affecting the strength of these associations (modifiers) including the time, the day of the week and the year of the mood rating, socio-demographic characteristics, sleep quality, psychiatric disorders and the personality trait neuroticism in the community. METHODS Data stemmed from the second follow-up evaluation of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, a prospective cohort study conducted in the general population of Lausanne (Switzerland). The 906 participants rated their mood level four times a day during seven days using a cell phone app. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the association between daily maximum temperature and mood level. Participant ID was inserted as a random effect in the model, whereas the time of the day, the day of the week and the year were inserted as fixed effects. Models were controlled for several confounders (socio-demographic characteristics, sleep quality, weather parameters and air pollutants). Stratified analyses were conducted based on socio-demographic characteristics, sleep quality, presence of psychiatric disorders or a high neuroticism. RESULTS Overall, the probability of having a bad mood for the entire day decreased by 7.0% (OR: 0.93: 95% CI 0.88, 0.99) for each 5 °C increase in maximum temperature. A smaller and less precise effect (-3%; OR: 0.97: 95% CI 0.91, 1.03) was found when controlling for sunshine duration. A higher association was found in participants with bipolar disorder (-23%; OR: 0.77: 95% CI 0.51, 1.17) and in participants with a high neuroticism (-13%; OR: 0.87 95% CI 0.80, 0.95), whereas the association was reversed for participants with anxiety (20%; OR: 1.20: 95% CI 0.90, 1.59), depression (18%; OR: 1.18 95% CI 0.94, 1.48) and schizophrenia (193%; OR: 2.93 95% CI 1.17, 7.73). CONCLUSIONS According to our findings, rising temperatures may positively affect mood in the general population. However, individuals with certain psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, may exhibit altered responses to heat, which may explain their increased morbidity when exposed to high temperatures. This suggests that tailored public health policies are required to protect this vulnerable population.
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Grants
- 801076 European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 3200B0-105993, 3200B0-118308, 33CSCO-122661, 33CS30-139468, 33CS30-148401, 33CS30_177535 and 3247730_204523 GlaxoSmithKline, the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of Lausanne, the Swiss National Science Foundation
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
- 2018DRI01 Swiss Personalized Health Network
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Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Bundo
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Preisig
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Epidemiology and Psychopathology Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Prilly, Switzerland
| | | | - Jennifer Glaus
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Vaucher
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine and Specialties, Internal Medicine, Fribourg Hospital and University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Gérard Waeber
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Pierre F Strippoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Epidemiology and Psychopathology Research Center, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Prilly, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Müller
- Translational Research Center (TRC), University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Privatclinic Meiringen, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Franco
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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12
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Thompson R, Lawrance EL, Roberts LF, Grailey K, Ashrafian H, Maheswaran H, Toledano MB, Darzi A. Ambient temperature and mental health: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Planet Health 2023; 7:e580-e589. [PMID: 37437999 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(23)00104-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence indicates that ambient outdoor temperature could affect mental health, which is especially concerning in the context of climate change. We aimed to comprehensively analyse the current evidence regarding the associations between ambient temperature and mental health outcomes. METHODS We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence regarding associations between ambient outdoor temperature and changes in mental health outcomes. We searched WebOfScience, Embase, PsychINFO, and PubMed for articles published from database origin up to April 7, 2022. Eligible articles were epidemiological, observational studies in humans of all ages, which evaluated real-world responses to ambient outdoor temperature, and had mental health as a documented outcome; studies of manipulated or controlled temperature or those with only physical health outcomes were excluded. All eligible studies were synthesised qualitatively. If three or more studies reported the same or equivalent effect statistics and if they had equivalent exposure, outcome, and metrics, the studies were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis. The risk of bias for individual studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The quality of evidence across studies was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) approach. FINDINGS 114 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 19 were suitable for meta-analysis. Three meta-analyses were conducted for suicide outcomes: a 1°C increase in mean monthly temperature was associated with an increase in incidence of 1·5% (95% CI 0·8-2·2, p<0·001; n=1 563 109, seven effects pooled from three studies); a 1°C increase in mean daily temperature was associated with an increase in incidence of 1·7% (0·3-3·0, p=0·014; n=113 523, five effects pooled from five studies); and a 1°C increase in mean monthly temperature was associated with a risk ratio of 1·01 (95% CI 1·00-1·01, p<0·001; n=111 794, six effects pooled from three studies). Three meta-analyses were conducted for hospital attendance or admission for mental illness: heatwaves versus non-heatwave periods were associated with an increase in incidence of 9·7% (95% CI 7·6-11·9, p<0·001; n=362 086, three studies); the risk ratio at the 99th percentile of daily mean temperature compared with the 50th percentile was 1·02 (95% CI 1·01-1·03, p=0·006; n=532 296, three studies); and no significant association was found between a 10°C increase in daily mean temperature and hospital attendance. In a qualitative narrative synthesis, we found that ambient outdoor temperature (including absolute temperatures, temperature variability, and heatwaves) was positively associated with attempted and completed suicides (86 studies), hospital attendance or admission for mental illness (43 studies), and worse outcomes for community mental health and wellbeing (19 studies), but much of the evidence was of low certainty with high heterogeneity. INTERPRETATION Increased temperature and temperature variability could be associated with increased cases of suicide and suicidal behaviour, hospital attendance or admission for mental illness, and poor community health and wellbeing. Climate change is likely to increase temperature anomalies, variability, and heatwaves as well as average temperatures; as such, health system leaders and policy makers must be adequately prepared and should develop adaptation strategies. More high-quality, standardised research is required to improve our understanding of these effects. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK; Mental Health Innovations, London, UK.
| | - Lily F Roberts
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Grailey
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hutan Ashrafian
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Mireille B Toledano
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK; Mohn Centre for Children's Health and Wellbeing, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ara Darzi
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, UK
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13
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Yong KH, Teo YN, Azadbakht M, Phung H, Chu C. The Scorching Truth: Investigating the Impact of Heatwaves on Selangor's Elderly Hospitalisations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105910. [PMID: 37239636 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Global climate change has contributed to the intensity, frequency, and duration of heatwave events. The association between heatwaves and elderly mortality is highly researched in developed countries. In contrast, heatwave impact on hospital admissions has been insufficiently studied worldwide due to data availability and sensitivity. In our opinion, the relationship between heatwaves and hospital admissions is worthwhile to explore as it could have a profound impact on healthcare systems. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations between heatwaves and hospitalisations for the elderly by age group in Selangor, Malaysia, from 2010 to 2020. We further explored the impact of heatwaves on the risks of cause-specific hospital admissions across age groups within the elderly. This study applied generalized additive models (GAMs) with the Poisson family and distributed lag models (DLMs) to estimate the effect of heatwaves on hospitalisations. According to the findings, there was no significant increase in hospitalisations for those aged 60 and older during heatwaves; however, a rise in mean apparent temperature (ATmean) by 1 °C significantly increased the risk of hospital admission by 12.9%. Heatwaves had no immediate effects on hospital admissions among elderly patients, but significant delay effects were identified for ATmean with a lag of 0-3 days. The hospital admission rates of the elderly groups started declining after a 5-day average following the heatwave event. Females were found to be relatively more vulnerable than males during heatwave periods. Consequently, these results can provide a reference to improve public health strategies to target elderly people who are at the greatest risk of hospitalisations due to heatwaves. Development of early heatwave and health warning systems for the elderly would assist with preventing and reducing health risks while also minimising the burden on the whole hospital system in Selangor, Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Hing Yong
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Yen Nee Teo
- Institute of Malaysian and International Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohsen Azadbakht
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Hai Phung
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
| | - Cordia Chu
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia
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14
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Woodland L, Ratwatte P, Phalkey R, Gillingham EL. Investigating the Health Impacts of Climate Change among People with Pre-Existing Mental Health Problems: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085563. [PMID: 37107845 PMCID: PMC10138675 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is the greatest threat to global public health, although the impacts on mental health are relatively understudied. Furthermore, there is a lack of consensus about the effects of climate change on individuals with pre-existing mental health problems. This review aimed to identify the health impacts of climate change on people with pre-existing mental health problems. The search was conducted across three databases; studies were included if they involved participants who had mental health problem(s) before a climate-driven event and reported on health outcomes post-event. A total of thirty-one studies met the full inclusion criteria. The study characteristics included 6 climate-driven events: heat events, floods, wildfires, wildfire and flood, hurricanes, and droughts, and 16 categories of pre-existing mental health problems, with depression, and non-specified mental health problems being the most common. The majority of the studies (90%, n = 28) suggest an association between the presence of pre-existing mental health problems and the likelihood of adverse health impacts (e.g., increased mortality risk, new symptom presentation, and an exacerbation of symptoms). To mitigate the exacerbation of health inequalities, people with pre-existing mental health problems should be included in adaption guidance and/or plans that mitigate the health impacts of climate change, future policy, reports, and frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Woodland
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, King’s College London, London SE5 9RJ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Priyanjali Ratwatte
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Revati Phalkey
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - Emma L. Gillingham
- Climate Change and Health Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Chilton OX11 0RQ, UK
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15
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Lavigne E, Maltby A, Côté JN, Weinberger KR, Hebbern C, Vicedo-Cabrera AM, Wilk P. The effect modification of extreme temperatures on mental and behavior disorders by environmental factors and individual-level characteristics in Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:114999. [PMID: 36565843 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ambient extreme temperatures have been associated with mental and behavior disorders (MBDs). However, few studies have assesed whether vulnerability factors such as ambient air pollution, pre-existing mental health conditions and residential environmental factors increase susceptibility. This study aims to evaluate the associations between short-term variations in outdoor ambient extreme temperatures and MBD-related emergency department (ED) visits and how these associations are modified by vulnerability factors. METHODS We conducted a case-crossover study of 9,958,759 MBD ED visits in Alberta and Ontario, Canada made between March 1st, 2004 and December 31st, 2020. Daily average temperature was assigned to individual cases with ED visits for MBD using gridded data at a 1 km × 1 km spatial resolution. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate associations between extreme temperatures (i.e., risk of ED visit at the 2.5th percentile temperature for cold and 97.5th percentile temperature for heat for each health region compared to the minimal temperature risk) and MBD ED visits. Age, sex, pre-existing mental health conditions, ambient air pollution (i.e. PM2.5, NO2 and O3) and residential environmental factors (neighborhood deprivation, residential green space exposure and urbanization) were evaluated as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS Cumulative exposure to extreme heat over 0-5 days (odds ratio [OR] = 1.145; 95% CI: 1.121-1.171) was associated with ED visits for any MBD. However, cumulative exposure to extreme cold was associated with lower risk of ED visits for any MBD (OR = 0.981; 95% CI: 0.976-0.987). We also found heat to be associated with ED visits for specific MBDs such as substance use disorders, dementia, neurotic disorders, schizophrenia and personality behavior disorder. Individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, those exposed to higher daily concentrations of NO2 and O3 and those residing in neighborhoods with greater material and social deprivation were at higher risk of heat-related MBD ED visits. Increasing tree canopy coverage appeared to mitigate risks of the effect of heat on MBD ED visits. CONCLUSIONS Findings provide evidence that the impacts of heat on MBD ED visits may vary across different vulnerability factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lavigne
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alana Maltby
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Nicolas Côté
- Department of Applied Geomatics, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kate R Weinberger
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Piotr Wilk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Corvetto JF, Helou AY, Dambach P, Müller T, Sauerborn R. A Systematic Literature Review of the Impact of Climate Change on the Global Demand for Psychiatric Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1190. [PMID: 36673946 PMCID: PMC9858749 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change (CC) imposes important global health risks, including on mental health (MH). They are related mostly to psychological suffering caused by climate-related events and to the heat-vulnerability caused by psychiatric disorders. This growing burden may press MH services worldwide, increasing demand on public and private systems in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. According to PRISMA, two independent reviewers searched four databases for papers published before May 2022 that associated climate-related events with healthcare demand for psychiatric conditions. Of the 7432 papers retrieved, we included 105. Only 29 were carried out in low- and middle-income countries. Twelve related the admission numbers to (i) extreme events, while 93 to (ii) meteorological factors-mostly heat. Emergency visits and hospitalizations were significantly higher during hot periods for MH disorders, especially until lag 5-7. Extreme events also caused more consultations. Suicide (completed or attempted), substance misuse, schizophrenia, mood, organic and neurotic disorders, and mortality were strongly affected by CC. This high healthcare demand is evidence of the burden patients may undergo. In addition, public and private services may face a shortage of financial and human resources. Finally, the increased use of healthcare facilities, in turn, intensifies greenhouse gas emissions, representing a self-enforcing cycle for CC. Further research is needed to better clarify how extreme events affect MH services and, in addition, if services in low- and middle-income countries are more intensely demanded by CC, as compared to richer countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Feriato Corvetto
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ammir Yacoub Helou
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Peter Dambach
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Müller
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Sauerborn
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH), Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Liang M, Min M, Ye P, Duan L, Sun Y. Are there joint effects of different air pollutants and meteorological factors on mental disorders? A machine learning approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:6818-6827. [PMID: 36008583 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to air pollutants is considered to be associated with mental disorders (MD). Few studies have addressed joint effect of multiple air pollutants and meteorological factors on admissions of MD. We examined the association between multiple air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2, and NO2), meteorological factors (temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and sunshine time), and MD risk in Yancheng, China. Associations were estimated by a generalized linear regression model (GLM) adjusting for time trend, day of the week, and patients' average age. Empirical weights of environmental exposures were judged by a weighted quantile sum (WQS) model. A machine learning approach, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), was used to assess the overall effect of mixed exposures. We calculated excess risk (ER) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for each exposure. According to the effect of temperature on MD, we divided the exposure of all factors into different temperature groups. In the high temperature group, GLM found that for every 10 μg/m3 increase in O3, PM2.5 and PM10 exposure, the ERs were 1.926 (95%CI 0.345, 3.531), 1.038 (95%CI 0.024, 2.062), and 0.780 (95% CI 0.052, 1.512) after adjusting for covariates. Temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine time also reported significant results. The WQS identified O3 and temperature (above the threshold) had the highest weights among air pollutants and meteorological factors. BKMR found a significant positive association between mixed exposure and MD risks. In the low temperature group, only O3 and temperature (below the threshold) showed significant results. These findings provide policymakers and practitioners with important scientific evidence for possible interventions. The association between different exposures and MD risk warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Liang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Min Min
- Anhui Institute of Medical Information (Anhui Medical Association), Hefei, 230061, Anhui, China
| | - Pengpeng Ye
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Leilei Duan
- National Center for Chronic and Noncommunicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yehuan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
- Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 238000, Anhui, China.
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18
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Lee S, Salvador C, Tuel A, Vicedo-Cabrera AM. Exploring the association between precipitation and hospital admission for mental disorders in Switzerland between 2009 and 2019. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0283200. [PMID: 37093854 PMCID: PMC10124868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0283200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
While several studies proved the relationship between increasing temperatures and poor mental health, limited evidence exists on the effect of other weather factors, such as precipitation. This study assessed the impact of precipitation on hospital admissions for mental disorders in Switzerland between 2009-2019. We defined different precipitation events based on the duration (daily precipitation ≥1mm for 2, 3, or 4 days; PP.2/PP.3/PP.4) and intensity (≥90th percentile for 2 consecutive days; PEP90.2). First, we conducted aggregated time-stratified case-crossover analysis in eight main Swiss cities with distributed lag models to assess the association up to 3 days after the exposure. Then, we pooled the estimates in each city using a multivariate random effects meta-analysis for all hospital admissions and by subgroups (sex, age, diagnosis). Evidence of an association between precipitation and hospital admission for mental disorders was not found in Switzerland (PP.2: 1.003[0.978-1.029]; PP.3: 1.005[0.985-1.026]; PP.4: 0.994[0.960-1.030]; PEP90.2: 1.000[0.953-1.050]). Although the results were highly uncertain, we found an indication of increasing risks of hospital admission with increasing intensity of precipitation in warmer seasons (PP.2: 1.001[0.971-1.032] vs PEP90.2: 1.014[0.955-1.078]), while the risks of hospital admission slightly increased by the duration in colder season (PP.2: 1.009[0.981-1.039]; PP.3: 1.008[0.980-1.036]; PP.4: 1.017[0.956-1.081]). Overall, risks tend to be higher in people aged < 65 years. Duration of the events may influence more than intensity in females, while opposite patterns were observed in males. Risks tended to be larger but still uncertain for schizophrenia, mood disorders, and adult personality disorders. An indication of a negative association was found in neurotic disorders and null risks in the remaining groups. Although our findings did not show a clear association between precipitation and mental disorders, further research is required to clarify the role of precipitation and the potential implications of climate change and extreme precipitation events on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujung Lee
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Coral Salvador
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Environmental Physics Laboratory (EPhysLab), Centro de Investigación Mariña, Universidade de Vigo, Ourense, Spain
| | - Alexandre Tuel
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Geography, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Crane K, Li L, Subramanian P, Rovit E, Liu J. Climate Change and Mental Health: A Review of Empirical Evidence, Mechanisms and Implications. ATMOSPHERE 2022; 13:2096. [PMID: 37727770 PMCID: PMC10508914 DOI: 10.3390/atmos13122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is an existential threat whose influences continue to increase in severity. It is pivotal to understand the implications of climate change and their effects on mental health. This integrative review aims to summarize the relevant evidence examining the harm climate change may have on mental health, suggest potential mechanisms and discuss implications. Empirical evidence has begun to indicate that negative mental health outcomes are a relevant and notable consequence of climate change. Specifically, these negative outcomes range from increased rates of psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder to higher measures of suicide, aggression and crime. Potential mechanisms are thought to include neuroinflammatory responses to stress, maladaptive serotonergic receptors and detrimental effects on one's own physical health, as well as the community wellbeing. While climate change and mental health are salient areas of research, the evidence examining an association is limited. Therefore, further work should be conducted to delineate exact pathways of action to explain the mediators and mechanisms of the interaction between climate change and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelin Crane
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Linda Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pearl Subramanian
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rovit
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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20
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Pirkle LT, Jennings N, Vercammen A, Lawrance EL. Current understanding of the impact of climate change on mental health within UK parliament. Front Public Health 2022; 10:913857. [PMID: 36187615 PMCID: PMC9522908 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.913857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing evidence that climate change is linked to adverse mental health outcomes, with both direct and indirect impacts already being felt globally, including within the United Kingdom (UK). With the UK parliament tasked with passing legislation to mitigate against and adapt to climate change, it is well placed to take a lead in implementing policies that reduce the impact of climate change on mental health and even provide mental health benefits (e.g., by increasing access to green space). The extent to which the UK parliament considers the relationship between climate change and mental health in its decision-making was previously unknown. We report, through quantitative thematic analysis of the UK Hansard database, that the UK parliament has only infrequently made links between climate change and mental health. Where links have been made, the primary focus of the speeches were around flooding and anxiety. Key mental health impacts of climate change reported in the academic literature, such as high temperature and suicides, or experiences of eco-anxiety, were found to be missing entirely. Further, policies suggested in UK parliament to minimise the impact of climate change on mental health were focused on pushing adaptation measures such as flood defences rather than climate mitigation, indicating potential missed opportunities for effective policies with co-benefits for tackling climate change and mental health simultaneously. Therefore, this research suggests a need to raise awareness for UK policymakers of the costs of climate inaction on mental health, and potential co-benefits of climate action on mental health. Our results provide insight into where links have and have not been made to date, to inform targeted awareness raising and ultimately equip policymakers to protect the UK from the increasingly large impacts of climate change on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy T. Pirkle
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ans Vercammen
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Emma L. Lawrance
- Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mental Health Innovations, London, United Kingdom
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21
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Mikutta CA, Pervilhac C, Znoj H, Federspiel A, Müller TJ. The Impact of Foehn Wind on Mental Distress among Patients in a Swiss Psychiatric Hospital. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10831. [PMID: 36078547 PMCID: PMC9518389 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric patients are particularly vulnerable to strong weather stimuli, such as foehn, a hot wind that occurs in the alps. However, there is a dearth of research regarding its impact on mental health. This study investigated the impact of foehn wind among patients of a psychiatric hospital located in a foehn area in the Swiss Alps. Analysis was based on anonymized datasets obtained from routine records on admission and discharge, including the Brief Symptom Checklist (BSCL) questionnaire, as well as sociodemographic parameters (age, sex, and diagnosis). Between 2013 and 2020, a total of 10,456 admission days and 10,575 discharge days were recorded. All meteorological data were extracted from the database of the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology of Switzerland. We estimated the effect of foehn on the BSCL items using a distributed lag model. Significant differences were found between foehn and non-foehn admissions in obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and general severity index (GSI) (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that foehn wind events may negatively affect specific mental health parameters in patients. More research is needed to fully understand the impact of foehn's events on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A. Mikutta
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Charlotte Pervilhac
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Federspiel
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J. Müller
- Private Clinic Meiringen, 3860 Meiringen, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, 3000 Bern, Switzerland
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22
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Tsai SS, Chen CC, Chen PS, Yang CY. Ambient ozone exposure and hospitalization for substance abuse: A time-stratified case-crossover study in Taipei. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2022; 85:553-560. [PMID: 35392774 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2022.2053021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A number of studies investigating the possibility that air pollutant exposures increases the risk of adverse effects on mental health including frequency of suicide and depression, is a major growing public health concern. Human data demonstrated that exposure to various ambient air contaminants including ozone (O3) adversely affected nervous system functions. It is also well-established that substance abuse produces central nervous system dysfunctions with resultant increase in suicide rates. However, the role of substance abuse in combination with O3 exposure on mental health remained to be determined. The aim of this investigation was to conduct a time-stratified case-crossover study to examine the possible correlation between short-term ambient O3 exposure and daily hospital admissions for substance abuse, including alcohol dependence syndrome and non-dependent abuse of drugs, in Taipei from 2009 to 2013. In our single pollutant model, a 35% rise in interquartile (IQR) O3 levels on cool days and a 12% elevation on warm days was associated with increase in mental health hospitalizations. In our two-pollutant models, O3 remained significantly associated with elevated number of hospitalizations after adding any one of possible air pollutants, PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO, to our model on cool and warm days. Data suggested that temperature may affect the association between outdoor ambient air O3 exposure and enhanced risk of hospitalization for substance abuse. Further study is needed to better understand these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Shyue Tsai
- Department of Healthcare Administration, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Department of pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang-Gung University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shih Chen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuh Yang
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institute, Miaoli, Taiwan
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23
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Zhong Q, Zhang H, Sun X. Exposure to Abnormally Hot Temperature and the Demand for Commercial Health Insurance. Front Public Health 2022; 10:842665. [PMID: 35145944 PMCID: PMC8821154 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.842665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this paper studies the impact of abnormal hot temperature on residents' demand for commercial health insurance. The results show that for every 1°F rise in abnormal temperature, the probability of people buying commercial health insurance increased by 6%. Furthermore, the abnormal hot temperature has a more significant impact on the commercial health insurance demand of women, residents in the South and residents in the East. Channel analysis shows that abnormal hot temperature affects the demand for commercial health insurance through two channels: increasing residents' concern about climate risk and affecting health. This paper provides evidence for actively promoting sustainable development and improving the construction of medical security system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhong
- Department of Financial Engineering, School of Finance, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Financial Engineering, School of Finance, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoke Sun
- Department of Insurance, School of Finance, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoke Sun
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