Date of Award

12-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Epidemiology & Biostatistics

First Advisor

Dr. Zafar Fatmi

Second Advisor

Dr Bilal Ahmed Usmani

Third Advisor

Dr Hira Tariq

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Background: This study compares and evaluates heat strain and heat exposure (both ambient and device temperature) in three different occupational groups in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan: school staff, agricultural workers, and brick kiln workers. The research offers significant insights into the various health hazards linked to heat stress in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted with 175 participants which includes 89 outdoor workers (45 agriculture and 44 Brick Kiln workers) and 86 indoor workers (School Staff). Heat stress is measured through Elitech RC-5 USB Device with every 30 seconds interval time range and heat strain is assessed through a Heat Strain Score Index (HSSI) questionnaire. The study was carried out from June 2024 till September 2024. STATA version 17.0 is used for the analysis. Simpe linear regression adjusted with clusters based on site was used to assess the mean temperature difference and simple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between heat strain score and type of work (outdoor and indoor workers).
Results: The mean temperature difference between brick kiln, agricultural, and school staff with satellite temperature was 6.95 + 2.6, 4.8 + 0.3, and 1.6 + 2.2, respectively. The type of work was significantly associated with mean temperature difference (OR: 5.44, 95% CI: 2.46, 8.42) and heat strain score (OR:10.71, 95% CI: 4.11, 27.92). A significantly higher proportion (70.8%) of outdoor workers fall into the yellow zone of heat strain as compared to indoor workers (14%). Mean temperature difference showed the negative association with outdoor workers of weight less than 50 Kg (-1.87, 95% CI: -3.76, 0.02) and positive association of outdoor workers of weight greater than > 70.5 Kg (5.44, 95% CI: 2.46, 8.42).
Conclusion: The study's conclusions demonstrated that heat stress is a frequent risk for outdoor workers, particularly those in agriculture and brick kilns, and that heat conservation planning intervention actions had to be carried out to lessen exposure.

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1

Last Page

47

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