THERMAL DISCOMFORT INDICES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE HEALTH OF YOUNG AND ELDERLY POPULATION IN AGRICULTURAL MUNICIPALITIES OF ALTA FLORESTA AND TANGARÁ DA SERRA - MT.
Thermal Discomfort; Climate; Hourly Analysis; Agricultural Region.
This study analyzed thermal discomfort indices and their correlation with hospitalization and mortality rates due to respiratory diseases in two agricultural cities in Mato Grosso: Alta Floresta and Tangará da Serra. Using meteorological and health data from 2012 to 2020, Heat Index and Temperature-Humidity Index were calculated. Higher thermal discomfort was observed in Alta Floresta, with most months classified as "uncomfortable". Hospitalizations and mortality from respiratory diseases were more common in the age group above 60 years. There were correlations between meteorological indices, thermal discomfort, and the occurrence of hospitalizations and deaths. Alta Floresta had more mortality cases, while Tangará da Serra had more hospitalizations. The results indicate that climate change is related to hospitalizations and deaths from respiratory diseases.