The Impact of Heatwaves on Mortality and Morbidity and the Associated Vulnerability Factors: A Systematic Review

Fadly Syah Arsad, Rozita Hod (), Norfazilah Ahmad, Rohaida Ismail, Norlen Mohamed, Mazni Baharom, Yelmizaitun Osman, Mohd Firdaus Mohd Radi and Fredolin Tangang
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Fadly Syah Arsad: Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
Rozita Hod: Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
Norfazilah Ahmad: Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
Rohaida Ismail: Environmental Health Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia
Norlen Mohamed: Environmental Health Unit, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia
Mazni Baharom: Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
Yelmizaitun Osman: Occupational and Environmental Health Unit, Kelantan State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Kota Bharu 15590, Malaysia
Mohd Firdaus Mohd Radi: Surveillance Unit, Kedah State Health Department, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Alor Setar 05400, Malaysia
Fredolin Tangang: Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-22

Abstract: Background: This study aims to investigate the current impacts of extreme temperature and heatwaves on human health in terms of both mortality and morbidity. This systematic review analyzed the impact of heatwaves on mortality, morbidity, and the associated vulnerability factors, focusing on the sensitivity component. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 flow checklist. Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, PubMed) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2022. Those eligible were evaluated using the Navigation Guide Systematic Review framework. Results: A total of 32 articles were included in the systematic review. Heatwave events increased mortality and morbidity incidence. Sociodemographic (elderly, children, male, female, low socioeconomic, low education), medical conditions (cardiopulmonary diseases, renal disease, diabetes, mental disease), and rural areas were crucial vulnerability factors. Conclusions: While mortality and morbidity are critical aspects for measuring the impact of heatwaves on human health, the sensitivity in the context of sociodemographic, medical conditions, and locality posed a higher vulnerability to certain groups. Therefore, further research on climate change and health impacts on vulnerability may help stakeholders strategize effective plans to reduce the effect of heatwaves.

Keywords: heatwave; mortality; morbidity; vulnerability; sensitivity; systematic review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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