Commentary I Towards assessing effects of National Environmental Health Action Plans

2002 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 74-75
Author(s):  
Michal Krzyzanowski
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Health Action ◽  
National Environmental

National Environmental Health Action Plans: Background and Process

1999 ◽  
pp. 3-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kello ◽  
M. Haralanova ◽  
R. M. Stern ◽  
D. J. Briggs
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Health ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Health Action ◽  
National Environmental

scholarly journals Heat Perception and Coping Strategies: A Structured Interview-Based Study of Elderly People in Cologne, Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 7495
Author(s):  
Juliane Kemen ◽  
Silvia Schäffer-Gemein ◽  
Johanna Grünewald ◽  
Thomas Kistemann
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Heat Strain ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Heat Perception ◽  
And Coping

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.

scholarly journals Assessing the use and understanding of the Portuguese Heat–Health Warning System (ÍCARO)

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Leite ◽  
A J Santos ◽  
S Silva ◽  
B Nunes ◽  
R Mexia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Action Plans ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Warning ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Level Information ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Mortality Forecasts ◽  
Related Mortality

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.

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