A case crossover study on the impact of heat waves on non-accidental deaths in Jinan, China

Abstract

Background: Heat waves can not only cause direct death from heat stroke but also lead to excess deaths due to other illnesses. Identifying contributing factors of population vulnerability to heat waves is particularly crucial because heat waves will affect the most disadvantaged populations aggravating health disparities. There has been little evidence on the risk of deaths from heat waves and associated contributing factors to the population vulnerability in Jinan. Purpose: To assess the impact of heat waves on non-accidental deaths and identify individual vulnerability factors to heat wave-related deaths in Jinan, China.