Variation in Population Vulnerability to Heat Wave in Western Australia

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Heat waves (HWs) pose a significant public health threat in Australia, causing more deaths than other natural hazards.
• Climate change is projected to intensify HWs, increasing heat-related mortality.
• HWs receive less research and policy attention compared to other natural hazards, despite their severe impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify risk factors contributing to population vulnerability to HWs in Western Australia (WA).
• To assess the health impacts of HWs by analyzing hospital data and extreme heat intensity.
• To examine demographic and geographic factors influencing HW vulnerability and resilience.

Main Methods:

• Time series analysis was employed to investigate HW vulnerability and resilience in WA's population.
• Associations between hospital emergency department (ED) presentations, admissions, mortality, and HW intensity were assessed.
• Risk factors including age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), remoteness, and location were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Hospital admissions for heat-related conditions and kidney diseases, along with ED attendances, were sensitive indicators of HWs.
• Children (≤14 years) and older adults (≥60 years) showed higher vulnerability based on ED data.
• Increased HW intensity correlated with higher health service usage, particularly for disadvantaged and remote populations.
• Females had more ED attendances and kidney disease admissions; males had more heat-related admissions.
• Geographic mapping identified areas with varying HW vulnerability and resilience levels.

Conclusions:

• Vulnerability to HWs is linked to age, SES, and geographic remoteness, with specific population groups and locations exhibiting resilience.
• ED attendances and hospital admissions for certain conditions serve as key indicators of HW health impacts.
• The study provides a mapping tool to aid resource allocation and targeted interventions for HW preparedness in WA.