Moonlit Misconceptions: A South Florida Veterans’ Hospital Perspective on Full Moon Emergency Room Visits

Pourquoi ça compte

Aucune hausse des passages ni des hospitalisations à la pleine lune ; un préprint, pas encore relu par des pairs.

Résumé

The belief that the full moon influences human behavior and health outcomes has persisted for centuries despite limited scientific evidence. This study examined whether there is a correlation between the lunar cycle and emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions among veterans in South Florida from 2013-2023. Data on 465,838 ED visits resulting in 110,640 admissions and moon illumination fraction data were analyzed. The results showed no significant difference in the mean number of ED visits, admissions, or percentage of visits resulting in admission across different moon illumination fractions, including full moons. While some past studies have suggested links between the lunar cycle and health conditions like seizures and psychiatric issues, this study found no association between the full moon and ED utilization patterns in the South Florida veteran population over an 11-year period. The findings contradict the long-standing belief about the lunar effect on hospital services and do not support adapting staffing or resources based on the moon’s phase.

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• Réfuté Des urgences débordées à la pleine lune