Abstract
Detrimental health impacts of heatwaves, including excess mortality, are increasing worldwide. To assess risk perceptions, protective knowledge and behaviors concerning heatwaves in Israel, a study was initiated, comparing attitudes of majority (Jewish) and minority (Arab) populations. A quantitative survey was disseminated through an internet panel, to a representative sample of 556 individuals (79% Jews; 21% Arabs). Overall, 74% consider heatwaves a problem, 93% believe that heatwaves' frequencies will increase, 27% are very concerned about the effects of heatwaves. Higher levels of awareness to heatwaves were found among Jewish compared to Arab respondents; 90 vs. 77% (respectively) could name heatwaves' symptoms (p < 0.001); 81 vs. 56% (respectively) reported knowing how to protect themselves (p < 0.001); 74 vs. 47% (respectively) reported knowing what to do when someone suffers from heat stroke (p < 0.001). Arab compared to Jewish respondents presented higher levels of concern about heatwaves' effects (3.22 vs. 3.09 respectively; t −2.25, p = 0.03), while knowledge of protective measures was higher among Jews compared to Arabs (3.67 vs. 3.56 t = 2.13 p = 0.04). A crucial component of enhancing preparedness to heatwaves is empowerment of minority as well as majority groups, to strengthen their capacity to implement protective behavior and elevate their self-belief in their individual ability and fortitude.
Highlights
Heat waves are usually defined based on their relative reference period and thresholds of very high temperatures during sustained periods of time [1,2,3]
Unless prepared for and mitigated, extreme temperatures can have detrimental health impacts, including excess mortality, even among communities that are accustomed to recurring heat waves [7, 8]
Our study found that the overall level of awareness among the Israeli population to the risk of heat wave, their potential impacts, as well as means to protect oneself from negative outcomes is relatively high (90%), compared to other studies conducted in countries that are routinely accustomed to higher temperatures vs. moderate temperatures (Netherlands and Belgium) [26, 27]
Summary
Heat waves are usually defined based on their relative reference period and thresholds of very high temperatures during sustained periods of time [1,2,3]. Heat waves are expected to intensify, become more frequent and continue for longer durations, especially due to climate change and global warming [4, 6]. Their impact on the public health of diverse populations worldwide is anticipated to increase, even more than was seen in the past decades [1, 5]. Unless prepared for and mitigated, extreme temperatures can have detrimental health impacts, including excess mortality, even among communities that are accustomed to recurring heat waves [7, 8]. Beyond physical morbidity and mortality, heat waves are reported for their potentially severe impact on “mental health and societal wellbeing” [15]
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