A Survey Of Public Perceptions And Adaptation For Heat Risks To Human Health In Hainan Province

Objective:To investigate the risk perception and adaptation behaviors towards high temperatures among the public in Hainan province, and explore the related factors.Methods:Questionnaires, key informant interviews (KⅡs), focus group discussions (FGDs) and other qualitative and quantitative methods were used, to investigate residents in Haikou city, Sanya city, Ding’an County and Changjiang County,1316valid questionnaires were collected, supplemented with12FGDs and13KⅡs.Results:1. Quantitative survey:(1)1316residents participated in the survey,50.99%of them were males,6.38%aged60and above,19.00%with chronic diseases.(2)74.24%of participants aware of climate change,43.51%and32.80%thought the major cause of global warming was CO2emissions and air pollution, respectively.(3) About30.24%thought High temperature is most harmful weather disasters in the local,91.95%of participants feel discomfort and27.57%feel the aggravation of pre-existing illness in hot weather.(4) The mean score of the risk perception in related to high temperatures among the resident was2.95. the percentage of the participants who thought high temperatures was not dangerous at all, somewhat dangerous, dangerous, more dangerous, and very dangerous to the health of oneself was7.15%、22.41%、42.86%、23.63%、3.95%, respectively. Higher risk perception in the residents living in high temperatures-prone areas, the Knowledgeable about high temperatures, poor health and who aggravated of pre-existing illness in hot weather.(5)79.10%of participants adopt a measure to adapt to high temperatures.the most common adaptation behaviors adopted by public were drinking more fluids, avoiding the outdoor and opening the windows for ventilation. Participants with higher risk perception are more likely to take protective measures (OR:7.20,95%CI:3.93-13.19).(6) television, internet, phone messages were the main sources from which respondents received information about weather.2. Qualitative Survey:(1) The average age of the interviewees was68.75years, of which44people suffering from hypertension and other chronic diseases.(2) Most of the interviewees thought that high temperatures has little effect on their health. All interviewees have taken protective measures, Including avoiding the outdoor, drinking more fluids, et al. television were the main sources to get weather information.Conclusion:Lack of risk perception to high temperature among the residents in Hainan province. We should establish an effective heat health warning system in the future, and improve the perception of the public health risk of high temperatures through effective risk communication methods.