Date of Award

1-1-2012

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

College/School/Department

Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Program

Epidemiology

Content Description

1 online resource (ii, 55 pages) : illustrations, map.

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Shao Lin

Committee Members

Edward F. Fitzgerald, Michele L. Herdt-Losavio/

Keywords

Kidneys

Subject Categories

Climate | Epidemiology | Public Health

Abstract

This study assessed the association between high temperatures and increased odds of hospitalization for renal diseases which, to date, has been examined in only a small number of studies. A case-crossover design was used to study 147,885 hospital admissions with renal diagnoses during July and August, 1991-2004 in New York State. Regional temperature, humidity and barometric pressure data from automated monitors were used as exposure indicators. Using time-stratified referent selection and conditional logistic regression analysis, an overall 9% increase in odds of hospitalization for acute renal failure per 5°F (2.78°C) was found for mean temperature at a one day lag (OR = 1.09, 95% CI:, 1.07, 1.12). The results suggest increased susceptibility to hospitalization for acute renal failure for Blacks, Hispanics, people aged 25-44 years and those in the lowest income quartile. The odds varied geographically with the largest associations found in the more urban regions. Increased odds of hospitalization were also found for urinary tract infections, renal calculi, lower urinary calculi and other lower urinary tract disorders. The findings can help identify vulnerable sub-populations and inform decisions and policies regarding adaptation strategies and heat-warning systems.

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