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This study investigated the associations between heatwaves and daily hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in two provinces in Viet Nam known to be vulnerable to droughts during 2010–2018. This study applied a time series analysis with data extracted from the electronic database of provincial hospitals and meteorological stations from the corresponding province. To eliminate over-dispersion, this time series analysis used Quasi-Poisson regression. The models were controlled for the day of the week, holiday, time trend, and relative humidity. Heatwaves were defined as the maximum temperature exceeding P90th over the period from 2010 to 2018 during at least three consecutive days. Data from 31,191 hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and 29,056 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases were investigated in the two provinces. Associations between hospital admissions for respiratory diseases and heatwaves in Ninh Thuan were observed at lag 2, with excess risk (ER = 8.31%, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–16.55%). However, heatwaves were negatively associated with cardiovascular diseases in Ca Mau, which was determined amongst the elderly (age above 60), ER = −7.28%, 95%CI: −13.97–−0.08%. Heatwaves can be a risk factor for hospital admission due to respiratory diseases in Vietnam. Further studies need to be conducted to assert the link between heat waves and cardiovascular diseases.

N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a highly hepatotoxic compound and classified as group 2A according to IARC, which is probably carcinogenic to humans. The habit of consumption of grilled meat-based foods may lead to a health risk, especially in children. In this study, a food consumption survey was conducted in 4 districts (2 in urban and 2 in suburban areas) in Hanoi, Vietnam. Food samples in the diet of children from 6 to 36 months was collected and tested for NDMA by GC-MS/MS method. Total exposure dose was calculated and compared to the proposed tolerable daily intake (TDI) to characterize the risk. Among the food tested, NDMA was detected in canned puree, grilled meat and sausage. The average contents of NDMA were 1.50 μg/kg, 1.18 μg/kg and 0.20 μg/kg in grilled meat, sausage and puree, respectively. The average total daily exposure dose of NDMA was 8.23 ng/kg bw/day in all studied group, which were within the upper recommended TDI (9.3 ng/kg bw/day). With a certain assumption, the cancer risk caused by exposure to NDMA were higher than the recommended value of WHO.

Background: The Global Climate Risk Index 2020 ranked Vietnam as the sixth country in the world most affected by climate variability and extreme weather events over the period 1999-2018. Sea level rise and extreme weather events are projected to be more severe in coming decades, which, without additional action, will increase the number of people at risk of climate-sensitive diseases, challenging the health system. This article summaries the results of a health vulnerability and adaptation (V&A) assessment conducted in Vietnam as evidences for development of the National Climate Change Health Adaptation Plan to 2030. Methods: The assessment followed the first 4 steps outlined in the World Health Organization’s Guidelines in conducting “Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments.” A framework and list of indicators were developed for semi-quantitative assessment for the period 2013 to 2017. Three sets of indicators were selected to assess the level of (1) exposure to climate change and extreme weather events, (2) health sensitivity, and (3) adaptation capacity. The indicators were rated and analyzed using a scoring system from 1 to 5. Results: The results showed that climate-sensitive diseases were common, including dengue fever, diarrheal, influenza, etc, with large burdens of disease that are projected to increase. From 2013 to 2017, the level of “exposure” to climate change–related hazards of the health sector was “high” to “very high,” with an average score from 3.5 to 4.4 (out of 5.0). For “health sensitivity,” the scores decreased from 3.8 in 2013 to 3.5 in 2017, making the overall rating as “high.” For “adaptive capacity,” the scores were from 4.0 to 4.1, which meant adaptive capacity was “very low.” The overall V&A rating in 2013 was “very high risk” (score 4.1) and “high risk” with scores of 3.8 in 2014 and 3.7 in 2015 to 2017. Conclusions: Adaptation actions of the health sector are urgently needed to reduce the vulnerability to climate change in coming decades. Eight adaptation solutions, among recommendations of V&A assessment, were adopted in the National Health Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Objective: This article aims to describe the knowledge, attitude, frequency and level of consumption regarding non-alcoholic carbonated soft drinks (NCSD) among students from two high schools in Hanoi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey including a semi-quantitative food frequency were conducted with 620 students from two high schools, one in the urban area and the other in the rural area of Hanoi city. Results: Data on knowledge of health risk associated with the consumption of NCSD showed neagtive results (only 11.9% of the students were able to identify all the contents of NCSD correctly, and 2.7% knew all eight health risks due to consumption of NCSD). Besides, 31.4% of all students did not have the intention to quit NCSD despite being aware of health risks associated with the consumption of NCSD. Students who reported consuming NCSD within one month prior to the study constituted 83.1%, and those who consumed NCSD 1–2 times/week accounted for the highest proportion, being 21.3%. On average, each student consumed 2,094 ml NCSD within one month prior to the study. Suburban students and male students consumed more than urban and female ones, respectively (p < 0.01). Recommendations: Students should be equipped with information about NCSD related health risks and encouraged to consume less NCSD.