摘要：Studies indicate that the mortality effects of temperature may vary by population and region,
although little is known about the vulnerability of subgroups to these risks in Korea. This
study examined the relationship between temperature and cause-specific mortality for
Seoul, Korea, for the period 2000–7, including whether some subgroups are particularly
vulnerable with respect to sex, age, education and place of death. The authors applied
time-series models allowing nonlinear relationships for heat- and cold-related mortality, and
generated exposure–response curves. Both high and low ambient temperatures were
associated with increased risk for daily mortality. Mortality risk was 10.2% (95% confidence
interval 7.43, 13.0%) higher at the 90th percentile of daily mean temperatures (25 °C) compared to the
50th percentile (15 °C). Mortality risk was 12.2% (3.69, 21.3%) comparing the 10th (−1 °C) and 50th percentiles of temperature. Cardiovascular deaths showed a higher risk to cold,
whereas respiratory deaths showed a higher risk to heat effect, although the differences
were not statistically significant. Susceptible populations were identified such as females,
the elderly, those with no education, and deaths occurring outside of a hospital for
heat- and cold-related total mortality. Our findings provide supportive evidence of a
temperature–mortality relationship in Korea and indicate that some subpopulations are
particularly vulnerable.
