Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Science Communicator Platform

Stay connected! Follow us on X network (Twitter):
Share this content! On (X network) By
Association of Heat and Cold Waves With Cause-Specific Mortality in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



Hadei M1, 2 ; Hopke PK3, 4 ; Aghababaeian H5, 6 ; Faridi S1 ; Hasham Firooz M7 ; Ostadtaghizadeh A2, 8
Authors
Show Affiliations
Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, 14642, NY, United States
  4. 4. Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 13699, NY, United States
  5. 5. Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
  6. 6. Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR), Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, Iran
  7. 7. Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  8. 8. Climate Change and Health Research Center (CCHRC), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Source: Scientific Reports Published:2024


Abstract

Despite the frequent occurrence of heat waves in the Middle East, there is a lack of evidence regarding the overall estimates for the effect of heat waves on mortality in this region. This study aimed to review the effect of exposure to heat and cold waves and daily cause-specific mortality. Four electronic databases were searched. The titles, abstracts, and full-texts of the articles were carefully reviewed by two researchers. Once eligible studies were identified, the required data were extracted. Separate meta-analyses were conducted based on gender, age group, and health endpoint combinations. According to the meta-analysis, heat waves had a statistically significant effect on all-cause mortality with an RR of 1.23 (CI 95%: 1.08, 1.39). Cardiovascular mortality significantly increased in heat waves with an RR of 1.08 (CI 95%: 1.05, 1.10). However, the increase in respiratory mortality was not statistically significant. Compared to young people (age < 65 years old) and women, elderly and men were more vulnerable to heat waves with RRs of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.05, 1.57) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.08, 1.58), respectively. This study can be beneficial in developing response or adaptation plans for heat waves. Future studies should focus on other specific health endpoints like ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, etc., and other outcomes such as hospitalization and emergency visits. © The Author(s) 2024.