Modifiers of diurnal temperature range and mortality association in six Korean cities

Youn-Hee Lim, Ae Kyung Park, Ho Kim

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Abstract

Rapid temperature changes within a single day may be critical for populations vulnerable to thermal stress who have difficulty adjusting themselves behaviorally and physiologically. We hypothesized that diurnal temperature range (DTR) is associated with mortality, and that this association is modified by season and socioeconomic status (SES). We evaluated meteorological and mortality data from six metropolitan areas in Korea from 1992 to 2007. We applied generalized linear models (GLM) for quantifying the estimated effects of DTR on mortality after adjusting for mean temperature, dew point temperature, day of the week, and seasonal and long-term trends. Most areas showed a linear DTR-mortality relationship, with evidence of increasing mortality with increasing DTR. Deaths among the elderly (75 years or older), females, the less educated, and the non-hospital population were associated more strongly with DTR than with the corresponding categories. DTR was the greatest threat to vulnerable study populations, with greater influence in the fall season. DTR was found to be a predictor of mortality, and this relationship was modified by season and SES.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Journal of Biometeorology
Volume56
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)33-42
Number of pages10
ISSN0020-7128
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Cities
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Korea/epidemiology
  • Male
  • Mortality
  • Seasons
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Class
  • Temperature

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