Degree Name
MSEH (Master of Science in Environmental Health)
Program
Environmental Health Sciences
Date of Award
8-2019
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Ying Li
Committee Members
Kenneth Silver, Andrew Joyner
Abstract
Heat waves represent a public health challenge that requires multiple responses and warnings to protect vulnerable populations. Although studies have reported an increasing trend of heat wave occurrence in many areas of the world, no clear trend exists in East Tennessee. Using data from Parameter-elevated Relationships on Independent Slope Models (PRISM), CDC WONDER and the United States Census Bureau, the relationship between mortality rates and year was estimated during heat wave events between 1999 and 2010. Five heat wave definitions were tested. Overall, 2007 and 2010 stand out as the years with the highest number of heat wave days in East Tennessee. August could be described as the hottest month. Three of the heat wave definitions tested show increasing non-accidental mortality rates with year. The relative risk for cardiovascular mortality is elevated among females compared to males for one of the heat wave definitions (Relative Risk (RR) = 1.33, CI= 1.08-1.65).
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Adesoba, Taiwo, "Heat Waves and Heat-Related Mortality in East Tennessee" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3639. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3639
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Environmental Public Health Commons, Epidemiology Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Health Services Research Commons, International Public Health Commons