Effect of Ambient Temperature on Hospital Admissions for Respiratory Disease in Suburban Rural Villages of a Semi-Arid Region in Northwest China.

Although there have been some researches focusing on temperature and respiratory diseases, few studies have focused specifically on suburban rural villages or semi-arid regions. In current study, we evaluated the effects of extreme temperatures on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in suburban rural areas, a semi-arid region in Northwest China. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of extreme temperatures on hospital admissions for respiratory diseases (RDs) in a semi-arid region in the Northwest of China. Methods: Distributed lag nonlinear model was constructed, and stratified analysis by gender and age was performed. Results: The exposure–response curve between temperature and RD hospital admissions was almost W-shaped. Either extremely cold temperatures or moderately cold temperatures presented a short-term acute harmful effect, and the relative risks were higher among males (1.976, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.773–2.203; 1.242, 95% CI: 1.203–1.282) and the elderly (2.363, 95% CI: 1.724–3.240; 1.267, 95% CI: 1.154–1.390). Both extreme and moderately hot temperatures had higher risks among females (2.040, 95% CI: 1.815–2.292; 1.328, 95% CI: 1.276–1.381). Conclusions: The relationship between air temperature and RD hospital admissions was nonlinear. Vulnerable populations varied according to extreme temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]