Publication:

Heat waves and health: an observational study on heat related illnesses among medical students in north Karnataka

Background Heat-related illnesses (HRIs) are a critical public health issue in India, particularly as increasing temperatures and routine heat waves which occur as a result of climate change exacerbate the situation. In recent years, Karnataka has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. The aim was to assess the perceptions on HRIs in medical students of Karnataka as they are prone to heat related illness while on family adoption programme field visits, field survey and field data collection activities.

Methods it was a cross-sectional study, done on 325 medical students of Vijayapura District from April to May 2024. The participants were chosen using simple random sampling technique. Data was obtained using a structured questionnaire, that assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice on HRIs, which was distributed via Google forms.

Results The mean score based on knowledge was 14.12 (with range =4-18, SD=2.652), mean attitude and practice score was 1.81 (range =0-4, SD=1.194).

Conclusions Study revealed that 83% of medical students recognized the risk posed by heat related illnesses and that it can lead to fainting while on field work. Considering the proportion of the level of KAP, 52% had good knowledge, 36% had average and 12 % had poor knowledge. Only 31% had good attitude, 24% had average knowledge and 45% had poor attitude. 34% had poor practice, 38% had average practice, and 28% had poor practice with respect to heat related illnesses.