How social factors influence health risks from extreme temperatures
Official title: Modification of temperature-morbidity associations by social determinants of health: the use of Z-coding
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10772138 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like income and living conditions can make some people more likely to get sick from extreme heat or cold, and it aims to help public health efforts by figuring out which groups need the most support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,877 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES034190-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10772138 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly those facing socioeconomic challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who live in stable climates with minimal temperature variation or those who do not experience socioeconomic disadvantages may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social determinants of health, such as income and housing conditions, affect individuals' vulnerability to health issues caused by extreme outdoor temperatures. By analyzing health data from emergency department visits and temperature data across six states, the study aims to identify which populations are most at risk. The researchers will utilize ICD-10 Z-codes to link social factors to temperature-related health outcomes, providing insights that could inform targeted public health interventions. The study will focus on data collected from 2016 to 2020, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of these associations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that protect vulnerable populations from temperature-related health risks.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social determinants significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scovronick, Noah C — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Scovronick, Noah C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.