Abstract
Backgrounds Numerous studies have investigated the association between summer temperatures and increased heat related hospitalizations in the general population. However, little is known about the heat-related morbidity of heat waves in children. We aimed to evaluate the association between hospitalization for dehydration or heat-related illness in children and heat wave exposure in South Korea. Methods We used the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database, which provides medical records from 2015 to 2019 in South Korea. We defined daily hospitalizations for dehydration or heat-related illness of children younger than five years of age during the summer period (June to August). A heat wave was defined using a total of six criteria from a maximum temperature 28°C or higher to 33°C or higher per day. A time-series analysis was used to investigate the association between the maximum temperature and a heat wave and hospitalization for dehydration or heat-related illness of children younger than five years of age. We used a two stage design involving a meta-analysis after modeling by each city. Results We included 16,879 daily hospitalizations for dehydration or heat-related illness among children younger than five years of age during 2015 to 2019. The relative risk (RR) of hospitalization for dehydration or heat related illness was 1.023 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013, 1.034] per 1°C increase in the 3-day moving average maximum temperature during summer. The RR due to heat wave exposure (6 definitions: 28°C to 33°C) was ranged from 1.10 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.15) to 1.05 (95% CI: 0.98, 1.12). In the subgroup, we did not observe statistically significant gender differences. Conclusions Exposure to a heat wave during summer is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for dehydration or heat-related illness among children younger than five years of age. Keywords: Climate change, Children, Heat wave, Time-series
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
