Vulnerabilidad climática y salud en el contexto de olas de calor en vecinos de Pueblo Alberdi (Córdoba, Argentina)
Communities within the Pueblo Alberdi Network in Córdoba, Argentina, present high socio-environmental vulnerability due to geographic, health, infrastructural, and socioeconomic factors. This area is an urban heat island. Extreme heat can trigger clinical conditions, exacerbate chronic diseases, and...
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| Autores principales: | , , , , , , , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
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Universidad Nacional Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Secretaria de Ciencia y Tecnología
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unc.edu.ar/index.php/med/article/view/50526 |
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| Sumario: | Communities within the Pueblo Alberdi Network in Córdoba, Argentina, present high socio-environmental vulnerability due to geographic, health, infrastructural, and socioeconomic factors. This area is an urban heat island. Extreme heat can trigger clinical conditions, exacerbate chronic diseases, and increase the risk of premature death. This study aimed to assess the health impact of extreme heat in Pueblo Alberdi neighborhoods.
A prospective, cross-sectional observational study with descriptive analysis was conducted using a validated face-to-face survey applied to residents of Villa Páez (n=90), Alto Alberdi (n=227), and Marechal (n=157). The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital Nacional de Clínicas, and it was authorized by neighborhood associations.
Among 474 respondents, 35.2% (n=167) reported chronic diseases, mainly hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Health coverage varied across neighborhoods: 48% in Villa Páez, 58.6% in Marechal, and 60.4% in Alto Alberdi. During heatwaves, 48% (n=229) reported remaining indoors most of the time, 23% (n=111) frequently, 14% (n=66) occasionally, and 15% (n=69) rarely or never, thus remaining exposed. Although 95% of responders used fans or air conditioners, 20% (n=91) experienced power outages longer than 4 hours, reducing their effectiveness. In the workplace, 19% (n=92) reported having experienced at least one heatstroke at work, and 25% (n=119) had to modify their tasks due to high temperatures. Alto Alberdi showed a higher proportion (77.5%) of irritability, insomnia, and fatigue during heatwaves compared with Villa Páez (72.2%) and Marechal (67%). Approximately 50% reported having suffered from dengue in 2024.
Gathering locally situated information is essential to understanding the impact of extreme heat on community health. This study identified factors that increase vulnerability and highlighted the need for climate education programs, workplace protection protocols, and strengthened primary healthcare to facilitate the detection, treatment, adaptation and mitigation of the effects of extreme heat impacts. |
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