Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt
2
Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Damietta University, Egypt.
3
Lecturer of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Heat waves are a significant consequence of climate change, threatening
public health, especially those who work outdoors. Necessitating the implementation of
practical mitigation and adaptation strategies. Aim: to evaluate the effect of heat waves
adaptation strategies on outdoor waste collector workers' knowledge and practice.
Design: A quasi-experimental design (one group pre- and post-test) was utilized.
Sample: Purposive samples of 70 outdoor waste collector workers were participated in
the study. Setting: Zabbaleen settlement, Cairo, Egypt. The data collection tools:
include Waste Collector Workers‘ Heat Related Illnesses (HRIs) Risk Assessment, the
Waste Collector Workers' Knowledge Questionnaire, and a self-reported checklist of the
heat wave coping strategies. The adaptation strategies include wearing cotton clothes,
hydration, rest breaks, a healthy diet, limiting caffeine intake, and sugar, wearing
protective clothing, scheduling work times, and dealing with heat related illness (HRIs).
Results: workers' knowledge improved significantly from the pretest (M = 22.57, SD =
4.84) to the posttest (M = 28.90, SD = 4.66) with a p-value < 0.001. They also improved
significantly in their total practice scores from the pretest (M = 22.57, SD = 4.84) to the
posttest (M = 28.90, SD = 4.66) with a p-value of 0.001. Interestingly, during heat
waves, 72.9% of workers face high HRI risks. Conclusion: The study highlights the
importance of implementing adaptation strategies to enhance workers' knowledge and
practices regarding adaptation to extreme heat events. Recommendations: Further
research is needed to understand the effectiveness of adaptation strategies across diverse
populations and contexts.
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