Subjective Health Impairment And Associated Factors In The Heatwave Of Summer 2022: An Online Survey

Abstract

Heatwaves might diminish the sense of well-being and are associated with increased mortality. Individual measures to protect against heat are often insufficient, with the perception of one's own risk playing a crucial role. Due to varying levels of vulnerability, it is expected that the perception differs among populations. Presumably, symptom awareness is higher when people are concerned with and inform themselves about the topic of heat. Our study examined subjective health impairment during the heatwave in 2022, its association with socio-demographic and economic factors, as well as perceived heat stress and individual engagement with the issue. An online survey of a population-based sample from five federal states of Germany was carried out. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between subjective health impairment due to heat and potential risk indicators. Out of 3,111 people contacted, 1,522 responded, with 649 (20.9%) included in the analysis as they were affected by heat in their region of residence during the summer of 2022. The average subjective health impairment was 9.29 (SD: 5.25) out of 29 possible points. Higher age was associated with lower impairment; -1.36 points (95%-CI: -4.10; 1.38) in the group of those aged 80 and compared with the reference group of 60 to 69-year-old people. Furthermore, higher impairment was reported more by women and individuals with lower educational levels. Low impairment was associated with a high perceived level of information. Interventions aimed at reducing heat-related health problems should target a broader audience, particularly young people, women, individuals with lower education, and working people.