A Difference-in-Differences Approach to Assess the Effect of a Heat Action Plan on Heat-Related Mortality, and Differences in Effectiveness According to Sex, Age, and Socioeconomic Status (Montreal, Quebec)

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp203
• Publication Date: 2016-05-21T13:25:01Z
• Authors: Tarik Benmarhnia; Zinzi Bailey; David Kaiser; Nathalie Auger; Nicholas King; Jay S. Kaufman
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Aging; 330; Toxicology; Heat Stress Disorders; Basic Behavioral and Social Science; Medical and Health Sciences; 01 natural sciences; 03 medical and health sciences; Sex Factors; 0302 clinical medicine; Behavioral and Social Science; 80 and over; Humans; Aged; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences; Aged, 80 and over; Research; Age Factors; Quebec; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Health Planning; Good Health and Well Being; Socioeconomic Factors; Female; Environmental Sciences; Program Evaluation

The impact of heat waves on mortality and health inequalities is well documented. Very few studies have assessed the effectiveness action plans (HAPs) health, none has used quasi-experimental methods to estimate causal effects such programs.We developed a method associated with HAPs that allows identification heterogeneity across subpopulations, apply this specifically case Montreal (Quebec, Canada) HAP.A difference-in-differences approach was undertaken using death registry data for summers 2000-2007 assess HAP, implemented in 2004, mortality. To study equity effect HAP implementation, we whether program were heterogeneous sex (male vs. female), age (≥ 65 years < years), neighborhood education levels (first third tertile). We conducted sensitivity analyses validity estimated program.We found evidence contributed reducing hot days, reduction attributable greater elderly people living low-education neighborhoods.These findings show promise programs aimed at extreme temperatures inequities. propose new can be easily applied evaluate any or intervention triggered when daily thresholds are reached. Citation: Benmarhnia T, Bailey Z, Kaiser D, Auger N, King Kaufman J. 2016. A plan heat-related mortality, differences according sex, age, socioeconomic status (Montreal, Quebec). Environ Health Perspect 124:1694-1699; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/EHP203.