Evaluation of the Communication of the Heat-Health-Watch-Warning System in Hungary

Abstract

P-508 Introduction: Within the PHEWE project Hungary set up a 3 level heat health watch warning system (HWWS) in 2004 based on the analysis of the Budapest mortality and meteorology database 1970–2000. Parallel the Institute triggered a communication campaign on health impact and adaptation methods. Several communication tools were used for raising the awareness of heat-wave, like distribution of leaflets in GP rooms, pharmacies. As for mass media, a 20-second video clip advertisement was broadcasted on the National Geographic Channel in August 2005, and leading health experts gave interviews about heat-related illness. Social activities like bottles of mineral water were distributed for the drivers stuck in traffic jams. To see the pitfalls of communication, a nationwide market research was launched in November, 2005. Material and method: We made a telephone-survey in the five biggest towns in Hungary. Sample size: 2500 over 18 years having a dwelling with telephone. The questionnaire contained 10 questions aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of the people about heat, adaptation methods and heat-alert system. Results: Evaluation was divided into four parts. 1) Awareness of heat: Generally people could mention one harmful impact but people aging 30-59y could say more than two impacts. Most of them mentioned hypertension (27%), heatstroke 11%) skin problems (31%), cardiovascular diseases in 22%. Half of the interviewees considered support for elderly of high importance. 2) Preventions: 4/5 of the people took preventive steps but only 1/5 of them could tell exactly how: drinking liquid (20%), sit in shade (17%), in a room with air-conditioning (16%). 3) Communication plan: 25% of the interviewees, mostly between 45–59 years, saw any advertisement. Most of them in the television (78%), daily newspapers (57%), street boards (41%). 4) HHWWS: Large number of interviewees (59%) heard about the announcement of “heat-alarm” and found the guidance informative (42%) and suitable (39%). 2/5 of them would like to know more about heat-wave by the following communication tools: television (92%), radio (76%), regional newspaper (67%). Conclusion: Although the campaign lasted during summer, people are not satisfactory aware of the impact and adaptation methods. Based on the results and within the National Climate Strategy our aim is to launch a Climate-health Prevention Strategy and a “Buddy” Network to prevent health impacts and spread adaptation methods by involving the population in 2006. The PHEWE project is supported by the European Commission, DG Research within the 5th Framework programme, contract N° QLK4-CT-2001-00152.