Temperature extremes, climate change and multimorbidity: A rapid scoping review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Extreme temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, pose significant risks to vulnerable populations.
• Individuals with multimorbidity (multiple long-term health conditions) are disproportionately affected by temperature extremes.
• Understanding these impacts is crucial for healthcare planning and preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize existing evidence on the health outcomes of extreme temperatures in people with multimorbidity.
• To identify research gaps concerning the effects of temperature extremes on this population.

Main Methods:

• A rapid scoping review was performed using multiple databases (Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Wiley Library).
• Searches were supplemented by manual citation tracking and Google Scholar.
• Data from 1,225 screened titles were extracted by two independent reviewers, with 8 papers included in the final analysis.

Main Results:

• Limited research exists on the health outcomes of temperature extremes in multimorbidity populations.
• Current evidence primarily indicates an increased risk of mortality from extreme heat among individuals with multimorbidity.
• No studies were found that investigated the impact of extreme cold on the health of this population.

Conclusions:

• Significant research gaps remain regarding the effects of temperature extremes on multimorbidity populations.
• Further systematic reviews and empirical studies are needed to understand the full spectrum of risks, including those from cold extremes.
• Enhanced research will inform better healthcare system planning and targeted public health interventions.