Influence of Social Determinants of Health on Heat-Related Illnesses in Context of Climate Change and Excess Heat: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the range of social determinants of health that contribute to the risk of heat-related illnesses (HRI). These illnesses represent a growing public health concern, expected to rise in incidence alongside the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change. Excessive heat will affect all populations.

Data Sources: The databases searched included MEDLINE via PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete via EBSCOhost, and PsycINFO.

Review Methods: This scoping review utilized predefined search terms to conduct a comprehensive literature review. A thematic analysis was performed on the selected studies.

Results: Our review included 48 articles encompassing diverse populations, geographic regions across the United States, and various interventions. Most studies linked low income, poor housing quality, and urban heat islands to increased risk of HRIs. More than half of the articles identified lack of air cooling as a significant contributing factor.

Conclusions: The concept of social determinants of health in relation to HRIs should be expanded to include access to air cooling. Given the increasing frequency of heatwaves and the challenges posed by built environments, this study highlights the urgent need for public health frameworks to recognize access to cooling as a critical factor. Equitable access to air cooling resources should be prioritized as a key mitigation strategy to reduce HRIs.