Risk characterization of hospitalizations for mental illness and/or behavioral disorders with concurrent heat-related illness

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186509
• Publication Date: 2017-10-16T17:39:17Z
• Authors: Michael T. Schmeltz; Janet L. Gamble
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Problem Behavior; Risk; Adolescent; Science; Mental Disorders; Q; R; Infant; Middle Aged; Heat Stress Disorders; 3. Good health; Hospitalization; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Multivariate Analysis; Medicine; Humans; Female; Child; Research Article; Aged

Background Many studies have found significant associations between high ambient temperatures and increases in heat-related morbidity mortality. Several demonstrated that hospitalizations are elevated among individuals with diagnosed mental illnesses and/or behavioral disorders (MBD). However, there a limited number of regarding risk factors associated specific contribute, at least part, to (HRI) the United States. Objective To identify characterize individual environmental MBD concurrent HRI diagnosis. Methods This study uses hospitalization data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2001–2010). Descriptive analyses primary secondary diagnoses MBDs an were examined. Risk ratios (RR) calculated multivariable models for patients HRI. Results Nondependent alcohol/drug abuse, dementia, schizophrenia increased frequency patients. Increased was observed Males (RR, 3.06), African Americans 1.16), Native 1.70), uninsured 1.92), those 40 years older, compared alone. Conclusions Previous outside U.S. dementia hospitalizations. Our results suggest substance abusers may also be important factor heat morbidity. Improved understanding these relative risks could help inform future public health strategies.