ABSTRACT

The study examined the effect of heat stress on the well-being of outdoor workers and their coping strategies. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between September 2019 and December 2019 to collect data from outdoor workers including hawkers and traffic wardens from 13 urban areas (N = 322) and analyzed using SPSS v.23. The results of the study show that most of the outdoor workers were in a good health state based on their self-health assessment. However, the respondents expressed concerns and symptoms of heat stress including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sleep disorders. The findings also show that male outdoor workers were 1.3 times more likely than females to be affected by heat stress. Respondents in their 20s were more likely to be affected by heat stress, as a result of temperatures and humidity conditions, than those in their 30s (OR = 0.389, CI = 0.158–0962) and 40s (OR = 0.395, CI = 0.147–1.063). Coping strategies identified include the use of breathable cotton attires, drinking a lot of water, hiding under shades and reducing outdoor activity intermittently.

摘要

该研究检查了热应激对户外工作人员健康的影响及其应对策略。在 2019 年 9 月至 2019 年 12 月期间进行了一项横断面调查研究，以收集来自 13 个城市地区（N = 322) 并使用 SPSS v.23 进行分析。研究结果显示，根据自我健康评估，大部分户外工作者的健康状况良好。然而，受访者表达了对热应激的担忧和症状，包括热痉挛、热衰竭、中暑和睡眠障碍。研究结果还表明，男性户外工作者受到热应激影响的可能性是女性的 1.3 倍。由于温度和湿度条件，20 多岁的受访者比 30 多岁（OR = 0.389，CI = 0.158-0962）和 40 多岁（OR = 0.395，CI = 0.147-）的受访者更容易受到热应激的影响1.063)。确定的应对策略包括使用透气的棉质服装、喝大量的水、躲在阴影下和间歇性地减少户外活动。