Effect of Heat Waves Adaptation Strategies on Outdoor Waste Collector Workers' Knowledge and Practice

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.