How Raising Temperature Due to Climate Change Influences the Cases of Heat Injuries in Taiwan

Abstract

Introduction:

Global climate change and increasing extreme weather events have emerged as significant threats to health worldwide. However, the relationship between ambient temperature and the risk of heat injuries remains unclear. This study utilizes ecological research to explore the impact of long-term temperature changes on the onset of heat injuries in Taiwan.

Methods:

We collected data on annual average ambient temperatures and instances of heat injuries from Central Weather Administration and Government Open Data Platform, sequentially, between 2014 and 2023. Spearman rank correlation coefficients and linear regression models were employed to investigate the associations between ambient temperatures and heat injury cases. We also examined the attributable burden of ambient temperatures. A stratified analysis was conducted by age group to identify vulnerable populations.

Results:

Our findings indicate that the average annual temperature has risen significantly (b = 0.03, p = 0.08), with temperature changes explaining 16.07% of the annual variation in heat injury cases. Notably, the impact of temperature changes on heat injury onset was similar for individuals under 18 and those over 65.

Conclusion:

This ecological correlation study suggests that rising average annual temperatures are associated with an increased risk of heat injuries in Taiwan. These findings may benefit the development of public health strategies and emergency medical systems aimed at reducing heat injury risks linked to high ambient temperatures in the context of global warming.

Keywords:

Climate change, Heat injuries, Ambient temperature, Ecological ecological correlation study, Public health strategies

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