How resilient is the general population to heatwaves? A knowledge survey from the ENHANCE project in Brussels and Amsterdam
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Joris Adriaan Frank van Loenhout1, Debarati Guha-Sapir2
1School of Public Health, Institute of Health and Society, Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Université catholique de Louvain, Clos Chapelle-aux-Champs 30, 1200 Woluwé-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium. joris.vanloenhout@uclouvain.be.
Background:
Studies have shown an increase in mortality and morbidity during heatwaves, especially among the elderly. We assessed the knowledge of the general population of Brussels and Amsterdam on groups at risk and protective measures for heat-related health effects.
Results:
Six locations with mixed populations were selected in each city. Passer-by's in both cities were asked to participate in a short survey. Respondents in Brussels (n = 120) had significantly more knowledge on risk groups and protective measures than respondents in Amsterdam (n = 133). In both cities, individuals with higher education had better knowledge on risk groups and protective measures than individuals with lower education.
Conclusions:
Efforts at heat-awareness raising must be strengthened, especially in Amsterdam, and public health actions should effectively target vulnerable groups with lower education in both cities.
