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Cold injuries are a an Underappreciated Effect of Climate Change
We examined the frequency and severity of heat and cold related injuries in Illinois from 2011 – 2013, as well as their association with ambient temperature and medical costs in an effort to better guide Illinois public health policy.
Methods:
All heat and cold related injuries were extracted from emergency room and hospital discharge data in Illinois. The dataset was analyzed for frequency of injuries, demographic characteristic and comorbidities. Multivariable analysis assessed odds of dying among patients admitted for cold- compared to heat- related injury. Survival curves were created. Climatological data from the same time period was used for correlation with injury rates.
Results:
Cold injuries were more severe across all key measures of severity: admission rates, length of hospitalization, requirement for mechanical ventilation, medical care complications, requiring placement in long term care facilities after discharge, death, and hospital charges. The direct medical cost for cold related injuries in Illinois from 2011 – 2013 was over $211 million, three times that for heat-related injuries.
Conclusions:
Cold related injuries are an underappreciated cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Public health messages should be tailored to different climate zones in the United States. Our findings underscore the need for greater awareness of cold related injuries for both healthcare providers and public health professionals.
Learning Areas:
Environmental health sciencesOther professions or practice related to public health
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Learning Objectives:
Describe the characteristics and impact of heat- versus cold-related injuries. Demonstrate the morbidity and mortality associated with cold-injuries occurring year-round.
Keyword(s): Climate and Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an occupational and environmental medicine resident and active duty military physician who is licensed to practice medicine in Illinois, Nebraska and for the U.S. Armed Forces. I am a MPH candidate at the UIC School of Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences division. I am the primary investigator of the abstract submitted.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.