Adaptation strategies for minimizing heat wave induced morbidity and its determinants

Heat waves pose serious health threats to human mortality and morbidity in many countries, including Pakistan. There are various factors that contribute towards heat wave induced morbidity and several adaptation measures are at disposal to avoid adverse effects on human health. This research was designed to examine different adaptation measures taken by the respondents and to estimate the determinants of heat wave induced morbidity. The sampling design consisted of primary data collection from 251 respondents in urban and peri-urban areas of Faisalabad, being one of the big cities in Pakistan, using a pre-tested questionnaire. The most common adaptation strategies were identified and an index of adaptation strategies was generated. The determinants of the number of patients in a family suffering from heat waves were estimated using Poisson regression model. The research findings revealed approximately the same adaptation scores of both urban and peri-urban respondents indicating no differences in adaptation level of both groups. The most commonly used adaptation strategies during heat waves included using plenty of water, and juices, increasing the number of baths, using an umbrella, cloth/cap, wearing sunglasses, and using green sheets/chicks in the house. The most important and statistically significant determinants of heat wave induced morbidity were the adaptation to heat waves (captured by adaptation score), urban/peri-urban background, family size, the number of males, and high income. Thus, it was concluded that the adaptation practices have strong health implications in the face of health challenges posed by heat waves. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that the health policies aimed at reducing the health impacts of heat waves may focus on awareness campaigns on available adaptation strategies through different media sources, widening access to health facilities, and extending swimming facilities particularly in urban areas. These strategies are important policy interventions to reduce vulnerability of population to heat waves.