Heat-Related Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior among Indonesian Forestry Workers and Farmers: Implications for Occupational Health Promotion in the Face of Climate Change Impacts

Abstract

Forestry workers play a crucial role in implementing forest management programs, but their outdoor work exposes them to rising temperatures caused by global climate change, which poses potential health risks related to heat. This study specifically investigates the relationship between knowledge of heat-related issues, risk perception, and precautionary behavior among Indonesian forestry workers and paddy farmers in response to the escalating workplace heat exposure. Developing effective precautionary behavior is essential for preventing heat-related health disorders and promoting health protection programs. To investigate the association of the latent variables comprehensively, structured interviews were conducted with two occupational groups of outdoor workers, comprising 210 forestry workers and 215 paddy farmers. The findings indicate that increasing knowledge about heat-related issues promotes precautionary behavior, and risk perception acts as a mediator between knowledge and behavior. Additionally, the study highlights that the emotion of “dread” intensifies the perceived risk and predicts positive behavior changes. To enhance heat-related knowledge, exploring the potential use of a “fear” tone is important. In conclusion, comprehensive strategies should be implemented to promote precautionary behavior among forestry workers, particularly manual laborers, who are more vulnerable compared to farmers.

Public Perceptions on the Importance of Ecosystem Services From Vulnerable Forest: A Case Study of Ampang Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia

“…These findings show that urban respondents are knowledgeable and more exposed to the conservation of natural ecosystems, perhaps due to their education and income levels (Arcury & Christianson, 1993). Knowledge level significantly influences public perceptions and drives expected behaviors (Yovi et al, 2023). Being knowledgeable facilitates respondents to understand what can be achieved or expected to be beneficial for them (Permatasari et al, 2023).…”

Risk Management Literacy Level among Oil Palm Smallholders in Malaysia

“…Consequently, farmers employ risk management strategies, such as diversifying production, maintaining detailed agricultural activity logs, acquiring farm management skills and knowledge, diversifying farmers' tasks, and implementing comprehensive risk management policies to mitigate these risks. In fact, Yovi et al (2023) emphasized that global warming has led to new risks associated with heat in the forestry and agriculture sectors. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses a significant threat to the health of workers in both sectors, particularly in the forestry sector.…”

“…Prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses a significant threat to the health of workers in both sectors, particularly in the forestry sector. Yovi et al (2023) also highlighted the crucial role of knowledge regarding to heat-related risks in influencing cautious behavior among forestry workers and paddy farmers.…”

Mitigating Heat Exposure: Exploring the Role of Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior

“…Data collection for outdoor workers involved direct interviews due to low literacy levels (Yovi et al 2023), while indoor workers were surveyed using a questionnaire platform. The study utilized 42 statement items from previous research (Kjellstrom 2016;Riccò et al 2020;Yovi et al 2023).…”

“…Several theories suggest that risk perception also contributes in shaping precautionary behavior. Risk perception is associated with knowledge, wherein risk perception employs logic, while risk awareness is linked to information and knowledge of risk information (Iorfa et al 2020;Ivčević et al 2020;Riccò et al 2020;Yovi et al 2023). Risk perception is the process by which individuals interpret information about risks they encounter.…”