Ambient temperature and hospitalizations in Brazil: Addressing measurement indicators, geographical variation, temporal change, and demographic difference

This thesis explores the risk of hospitalizations in Brazil associated with ambient heat, heatwaves and temperature variability using a national dataset during 2000–2015. It finds the effect estimates of the three temperature indicators varies by regions, sex-age groups, and by underlying diseases or health conditions. There is no substantial decline in the effect estimates at the national level over the 16-year period, suggesting a minimal climatic adaptation of the Brazil population. These results are important for understanding the effects of global warming in this country, and for developing efficient protection strategies for the most vulnerable population subgroups.