Gis And Models For Environmental Health Action Plans

Author(s):  
O. Udovyk
1999 ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kello ◽  
M. Haralanova ◽  
R. M. Stern ◽  
D. J. Briggs

Author(s):  
Juliane Kemen ◽  
Silvia Schäffer-Gemein ◽  
Johanna Grünewald ◽  
Thomas Kistemann

The transdisciplinary project “Heat-Health Action Plan for Elderly People in Cologne” addresses the most heat-vulnerable risk group, people over 65 years of age. A quantitative study aimed to better understand heat perception and coping strategies of elderly people during heat waves to inform heat-health action plans. We conducted a representative quantitative survey via structured interviews with 258 randomly chosen people over 65 years old, living in their own homes in four areas of Cologne, Germany. These areas varied, both in terms of social status and heat strain. Data regarding demographics, health status, coping strategies, and heat perception were collected in personal interviews from August to October 2019. The majority of the participants perceived heat strain as moderate to very challenging. Women, people with a lower monthly income, and those with a lower health status found the heat more challenging. We found that participants adapted to heat with a number of body-related, home-protective, and activity-related coping strategies. The number of coping strategies was associated with perceived personal heat strain. There is a definite underuse of water-related heat adaption strategies among the elderly. This is of increasing relevance, as rising heat impact will lead to more heat-related geriatric morbidity. Our results are seminal to inform elderly-specific, socio-adapted local heat-health action plans.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Leite ◽  
A J Santos ◽  
S Silva ◽  
B Nunes ◽  
R Mexia ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Heatwaves can lead to increased mortality. Portugal has a Heat-Health Warning System (HHWS) in place (ÍCARO system). Researchers at the Instituto Ricardo Jorge send a daily report with heat-related mortality forecasts to key stakeholders (e.g. Heat-Health Action Plans (HHAP) staff). HHAP practitioners issue warnings and implement measures to prevent heatwaves-related mortality. ICARO is amongst the recommended data sources to assess risk and issue warnings but its use and understanding is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to assess ÍCARO’s use and understanding by key HHAP practitioners. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with national and regional HHAP practitioners. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic content analysis. Intercoder reliability was applied to a sample of segments from 5 of 6 interviews. Results We conducted 6 interviews with 9 professionals (mean time 52 minutes). We identified 4 categories: Report’s content and presentation, Report’s reception and communication, ÍCARO and risk assessment, Other issues. Practitioners use ÍCARO and perceived it as very relevant tool. However, they mentioned several questions on its interpretation. Practitioners also felt their questions were not fully answered, given researchers’ use of statistical terms. Finally, practitioners referred the need to assess risk at the local level, information not currently provided. We also identified the need for improved communication and report’s clarity. Conclusions Our study stresses the need for an integrated collaboration between experts within HHWS and HHAP. Despite ICARO’s understanding being challenging, practitioners consider it a relevant tool. Researchers should use less statistical language and clarify ÍCARO interpretation. Practitioners’ needs should be considered when developing or revising tools. We are currently implementing some of these recommendations in an attempt to close the gap between researchers and practitioners. Key messages Portuguese Heat–Health Action Plans practitioners use heat-related mortality forecasts (ICARO) and perceived it as very relevant instrument. However there find ICARO’s interpretation challenging. Portuguese Heat/Health Action Plans Practitioners’ needs should be considered when revising or developing tools, and notes should be added to clarify statistical/technical concepts.


2005 ◽  
Vol 19 (43) ◽  
pp. 51-57
Author(s):  
John Howatson

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-36
Author(s):  
Henny Annette Grewe ◽  
Beate Blättner
Keyword(s):  

ZusammenfassungAls Konsequenz aus den Sterbefällen des Hitzesommers 2003 wurden in einigen europäischen Ländern ‚Heat Health Action Plans’ entsprechend der Empfehlungen der WHO entwickelt. Im föderalen Deutschland ist die Implementierung eines solchen Plans weder auf Bundes- noch auf Länderebene gelungen, obwohl entsprechende Handlungsempfehlungen vorliegen und viele Maßnahmen ergriffen werden. Neben der Systematik fehlt ein Monitoring, das für die Evaluation der Maßnahmen genutzt werden könnte. Derzeit wird die Wirkung der Handlungsempfehlungen evaluiert und ein Beratungsservice für Kommunen angeboten.


2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 472-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Freudenberg

The human response to an environmental hazard can either reduce or exacerbate its impact on health. This article reviews determinants of community-level responses to environmental health hazards. The aim is to identify factors that can enhance a community’s capacity to protect itself and to suggest public health strategies that can increase such capacity. Four case histories of community environmental health action are presented to test a theoretical model for understanding the determinants of community capacity to promote environmental health. Specific actions public health professionals can take to strengthen community capacity include increasing access to accurate science, building strong relationships between communities and local health departments, and supporting political reforms that level the playing field for communities that seek to challenge corporate or government practices.


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