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

Abstract

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.