Elshamy RA, Eladl AM, Zaitoun MF. Climatic changes: knowledge and adaptation behavior to heat-related illness among solid waste disposal workers.
J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2024;
99:9. [PMID:
38705924 PMCID:
PMC11070406 DOI:
10.1186/s42506-024-00155-x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Earth's climate changes are progressing at an alarming rate. One of the most severe effects of climate change is extreme heat. This study aimed to assess knowledge and adaptation behavior to heat-related illness (HRI) among solid waste disposal workers in the 10th of Ramadan City, Egypt, and to study the predictors for their knowledge and adaptation behavior.
METHODS
An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 solid waste disposal workers. A structured interview questionnaire was used to assess the studied workers' sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, heat exposure risk, and their knowledge, and adaptation behavior.
RESULTS
The results showed that 40% and 30% of participants had adequate levels of total knowledge and adaptation behavior, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between workers' knowledge and both age and education. There was a statistically significant relationship between workers' adaptation behavior and age, duration of employment, working hours, and education. A binary logistic regression for significant predictors of knowledge and adaptation behavior showed that age and education were the most significant predictors.
CONCLUSION
Solid waste disposal workers were at high risk of HRI due to their low levels of knowledge and adaptation behavior regarding HRI. Educational health programs that guide workers to follow healthy behaviors and prevent HRI are recommended.
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