Does Ethnic Diversity Impact on Risk Perceptions, Preparedness, and Management of Heat Waves?

Frontiers in Public Health

article

Maya Siman-Tov¹  Kirsten Vanderplanken²  Debarati Guha-Sapir²  Joris A. F. van Loenhout²  Bruria Adini³ 

[1] Magen David Adom;Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain;Department of Emergency Management and Disaster Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Tel Aviv University

关键词: heat waves;    risk perception;    risk awareness;    ethnic diversity;    emergency preparedness;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpubh.2021.642874

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Detrimental health impacts of heatwaves, including excess mortality, are increasing worldwide. To assess risk perceptions, protective knowledge and behaviors concerning heatwaves in Israel, a study was initiated, comparing attitudes of majority (Jewish) and minority (Arab) populations. A quantitative survey was disseminated through an internet panel, to a representative sample of 556 individuals (79% Jews; 21% Arabs). Overall, 74% consider heatwaves a problem, 93% believe that heatwaves' frequencies will increase, 27% are very concerned about the effects of heatwaves. Higher levels of awareness to heatwaves were found among Jewish compared to Arab respondents; 90 vs. 77% (respectively) could name heatwaves' symptoms ( p < 0.001); 81 vs. 56% (respectively) reported knowing how to protect themselves ( p < 0.001); 74 vs. 47% (respectively) reported knowing what to do when someone suffers from heat stroke ( p < 0.001). Arab compared to Jewish respondents presented higher levels of concern about heatwaves' effects (3.22 vs. 3.09 respectively; t −2.25, p = 0.03), while knowledge of protective measures was higher among Jews compared to Arabs (3.67 vs. 3.56 t = 2.13 p = 0.04). A crucial component of enhancing preparedness to heatwaves is empowerment of minority as well as majority groups, to strengthen their capacity to implement protective behavior and elevate their self-belief in their individual ability and fortitude.

【 授权许可】

CC BY