Perceived Adverse Health Effects of Heat and Their Determinants in Deprived Neighbourhoods: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Nine Cities in Canada

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Diane Bélanger⁵  Pierre Gosselin⁴  Pierre Valois³  Belkacem Abdous¹  Kristie L. Ebi² 

[1] Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; E-Mail:;Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490, rue de la Couronne, QC G1K 9A9, Canada; E-Mail;Université Laval, 2325 rue de l’Université, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; E-Mail:;Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945, Avenue Wolfe, QC G1V 5B3, Canada;Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique Centre Eau Terre Environnement, 490, rue de la Couronne, QC G1K 9A9, Canada; E-Mail:

关键词: heat waves;    health impacts;    deprived neighbourhoods;    sex;    long-term medical leave;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph111111028

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

This study identifies several characteristics of individuals who report their physical and/or mental health as being adversely affected by summertime heat and humidity, within the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods of the nine largest cities of Québec (Canada). The study is cross-sectional by stratified representative sample; 3485 people were interviewed in their residence. The prevalence of reported impacts was 46%, mostly physical health. Female gender and long-term medical leave are two impact risk indicators in people <65 years of age. Low income and air conditioning at home are risk indicators at all ages. Results for having ≥2 diagnoses of chronic diseases, particularly for people self-describing as in poor health (odds ratio, OR_<65 = 5.6; OR_≥65 = 4.2), and perceiving daily stress, are independent of age. The prevalence of reported heat-related health impacts is thus very high in those inner cities, with notable differences according to age, stress levels and long-term medical leave, previously unmentioned in the literature. Finally, the total number of pre-existing medical conditions seems to be a preponderant risk factor. This study complements the epidemiologic studies based on mortality or severe morbidity and shows that the heat-related burden of disease appears very important in those communities, affecting several subgroups differentially.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.