Effect of Heat Waves Adaptation Strategies on Outdoor Waste Collector Workers' Knowledge and Practice

Background: Heat waves are a significant consequence of climate change, threateningpublic health, especially those who work outdoors. Necessitating the implementation ofpractical mitigation and adaptation strategies. Aim: to evaluate the effect of heat wavesadaptation strategies on outdoor waste collector workers' knowledge and practice.Design: A quasi-experimental design (one group pre- and post-test) was utilized.Sample: Purposive samples of 70 outdoor waste collector workers were participated inthe study. Setting: Zabbaleen settlement, Cairo, Egypt. The data collection tools:include Waste Collector Workers‘ Heat Related Illnesses (HRIs) Risk Assessment, theWaste Collector Workers' Knowledge Questionnaire, and a self-reported checklist of theheat wave coping strategies. The adaptation strategies include wearing cotton clothes,hydration, rest breaks, a healthy diet, limiting caffeine intake, and sugar, wearingprotective clothing, scheduling work times, and dealing with heat related illness (HRIs).Results: workers' knowledge improved significantly from the pretest (M = 22.57, SD =4.84) to the posttest (M = 28.90, SD = 4.66) with a p-value < 0.001. They also improvedsignificantly in their total practice scores from the pretest (M = 22.57, SD = 4.84) to theposttest (M = 28.90, SD = 4.66) with a p-value of 0.001. Interestingly, during heatwaves, 72.9% of workers face high HRI risks. Conclusion: The study highlights theimportance of implementing adaptation strategies to enhance workers' knowledge andpractices regarding adaptation to extreme heat events. Recommendations: Furtherresearch is needed to understand the effectiveness of adaptation strategies across diversepopulations and contexts.