Disparities of Heatwave-Related Preterm Birth in Climate Types — China, 2012–2019

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? An association between prenatal heatwave exposure and the risk of preterm birth was found. However, the disparities in heatwave-related preterm birth across different climate types have not been examined. What is added by this report? This nationwide case-crossover study investigated the association between heatwave exposure and preterm birth across different Köppen-Geiger climate types. Among pregnant women residing in the arid-desert-cold climate type, exposure to compound heatwaves was found to be associated with a significantly higher risk of preterm birth {adjusted odds ratios (AORs) ranged from 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–1.97] to 2.11 (95% CI: 1.35–3.31)}. In contrast, among pregnant women residing in the tropical monsoonal climate type, exposure to daytime-only heatwaves was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth [AORs ranged from 1.25 (95% CI: 1.03–1.51) to 1.37 (95% CI: 1.05–1.77)]. What are the implications for public health practice? Specific interventions should be implemented in China to mitigate the risk of preterm birth related to heatwaves, particularly for pregnant women residing in arid-desert-cold and tropical monsoonal climates.