Determinants Characterizing Adaptive Capability for Island-Wide Cardiovascular Mortality at Extreme Temperatures in Taiwan
Journal
Epidemiology
Journal Volume
20
Pages
S89--S90
Date Issued
2009-11
Author(s)
Abstract
ISEE-0860 Abstract: To identify the vulnerable regions in response to extreme cold and heat exposure in Taiwan, and further to characterize the determinants associated with such an increasing risk for better design of adaptive strategy in view of predicted weather change in the future. The mortalities of cardiovascular diseases for 358 townships were estimated with the number of deaths in the 2-week period after the extreme temperature event as the nominator, and the number of deaths before as the denominator. Metropolitan regions were found to have substantially lower mortality than those in rural areas after cold and heat events. Events of extreme cold, compared to heat, had greater impacts in mortality ratio in most townships. Negative association was identified, by spatial lag model, between the mortality after the extreme temperature events and urbanization and availability of medical resources. Higher percentage of the elders, the vulnerable, and the aborigines might have contributed to increasing vulnerability of the townships during cold and heat events. Our data, using an island wide spatial analysis, suggest urban areas are with greater adaptive capability than rural areas, plausibly due to higher socioeconomic status and more medical resource available. Social inequality across urban and rural townships is apparent, and developing customized adaptation program in vulnerable regions at the events of extreme heat and cold should be prioritized.
SDGs
Type
journal article