Rising temperatures and heat events may affect workers, especially women, by increasing the risk of Heat Related Illnesses (HRIs). We conducted a cross-sectional study among 903 women in outdoor and indoor sectors. We measured Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and physiological Heat Strain Indicators (HSI), as well as self-reported symptoms of HRIs using a HOTHAPS questionnaire. Multivariate Logistic Regression models were used to compare the heat risks. WBGT exposures were high in both the outdoor (Avg. WBGT = 28.8 °C ± 2.4 °C) and indoor (Avg. WBGT = 28.7 °C ± 3.5 °C) sectors. Outdoor Women Workers (OWW) reported higher HRI symptoms (94%vs.81%), and heat exposures were positively correlated with HRIs (AOR: 3.7; 95%CI: 2.4-6.1). OWW showed a 1.5-fold higher risk of measured HSI above safe limits (95%CI: 1.1-2.1) and a 2.1-fold higher risk of urogenital issues (95%CI: 2.1-3.8) than Indoor Women Workers (IWW). Due to direct sun exposure, intensive labor, and a lack of welfare facilities, OWW has a higher HRI risk.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19338244.2023.2272733 | DOI Listing |
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