Effects of temperature variation on stroke in Cotonou (Benin, West Africa)

Climate variations, particularly temperature fluctuations, have a major impact on public health, especially regarding strokes. This study focuses on the effect of temperature changes on strokes in the municipality of Cotonou, Benin. The main objective is to analyze the impact of temperature variations on stroke incidence in Cotonou, particularly heat waves and sudden drops in temperature. The data used include minimum and maximum temperatures collected by Benin Meteorological Service from 1994 to 2025, as well as health data on strokes recorded between October 2023 and June 2025 at the Cotonou University Neurology Clinic. The analysis of the results relies on statistical methods, including Pearson's correlation coefficient, which were used to examine the relationship between temperature and strokes. The results show a strong correlation between extreme temperature variations and an increase in stroke cases. Minimum and maximum temperatures showed a correlation of r = 0.75 and r =0.65, respectively, with stroke cases. In particular, June 2024 and February 2025, when maximum temperatures reached 33.25°C and 33°C, coincided with peaks of 21 strokes recorded per month, reinforcing the importance of climatic factors in the occurrence of these public health events.