The association between heat exposure level and heat health risk symptoms among vulnerable populations in rural areas, Hulu Langat, Selangor.

MISDAR, IKA DAYANTI (2022) The association between heat exposure level and heat health risk symptoms among vulnerable populations in rural areas, Hulu Langat, Selangor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text FPSK4 2022 19.pdf Download (2MB)

Abstract

Introduction: Global temperatures have risen steadily since the industrial revolutions and will continue arise. Global temperature increases are a result of climate change. This is become more significant due to greenhouse gases emission (GHG) and rapid urbanization. This has contributed heat stress towards the rural community and causing heat-related illness. It is become more concern as vulnerable groups are at high risk in getting heat-related illness. Objectives: To determine the association between heat exposure level and heat health related symptoms among vulnerable population in the rural areas, Hulu Selangor, Selangor. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study in which 203 respondent who fulfil the inclusive criteria was selected from the study location, Hulu Langat, Selangor. The selection of the respondents is based on the cluster random sampling for selection of district and then, stratified random sampling for selection of equal numbers of respondent for each vulnerable population. The questionnaire used in is adapted from previous standardized questionnaire. The respondents will be given a set of modified questionnaires from previous studies as one of the instruments to achieve study objectives. Face to face interview with a set of questionnaires which consist of 5 sections was used, include Section I) Socio- Demographic, 2) Health information, 3) Residential information, 4) Heat exposure information, 5) Heat health-related symptoms. Besides, a direct indoor heat exposure was monitored at each respondent’s house by using WBGT (Model: QUESTemp ° 32) on the same day. Result and Discussion: The study found that most of the respondent’s heat exposure level is categorized as moderate heat stress according to Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). In addition, individual factors, such as body mass index (BMI), age of house, total of household income, gender, medical history, and smoking status were all significantly correlated with heat stress symptoms reported among vulnerable population in rural area, Hulu Langat, Selangor. Respondent was reported with heat stress symptoms such as sweating, heat rash (itchy red bumps/ cluster of pimples/ small blister at the body parts), flushed skin (skin turn red), nausea or vomiting, dizziness, headache, thirst, high body temperature (>38°C), faint, rapid shallow breathing, muscle cramps, light-headedness during prolonged standing or suddenly rising from a sitting or lying position, cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat, weak or rapid pulse, racing heart rate, weakness/fatigue, slurred speech, irritability, confusion, agitation, seizure among different vulnerable population. Conclusion: We conclude that heat exposure level potentially heats stress symptoms in rural area, Hulu Langat, Selangor. Our findings provide evidence to guide policymakers in implementing comprehensive intervention programs that target heat stress in this community settings. Keywords: heat stress symptoms, vulnerable population, heat exposure

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Mr Hafizzuddin Hamidon
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2023 02:38
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2023 02:38
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1131

Actions (login required)

View Item