Knowledge, Prevention, and Practice of Heat Strokes among the Public in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Abstract

Background: Heat strokes are predictable and preventable, so sufficient public awareness of the condition and preventative practices are essential in hot and humid countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This study aims to assess the level of awareness (knowledge, prevention, and management) of heat stroke among UAE residents. Methods: Survey-based study of a random sample of adults (?18 years) in four different cities of UAE. The questionnaire included 37 questions on knowledge and practices. Correct answer was equal to one point and total scores were calculated. The average of participants’ total scores was taken as cut-off point. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors with below-average awareness. Results: A total of 402 people participated in the study, with age average 33±12 years and 48.5% were female. Only 1 person achieved a perfect score and 0.7%, 10%, and 17.7% achieved above average scores in knowledge, practices, and management, respectively. Seven percent of participants had never heard of a heat stroke before. A third of participants (32%) did not know that severe heat strokes can lead to death. Males are at higher risk of having a poor level of knowledge (Odds ratio [OR]=1.65; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]=1.10-2.47). The older the population the poor was the knowledge about heat stroke (OR=1.39, 95%CI=1.03-1.89). Conclusion: The results of this study show that a huge proportion of the population in the UAE does not have sufficient knowledge about heat stroke, its prevention, and management. Governmental institutes should increase awareness of heat stroke.

The IJMS World Conference of Medical Student Research and an Overview of the IJMS Volume 10 Issue 2

“…Alebaji et al assessed awareness levels of heat stroke among residents of the United Arab Emirates with an original questionnaire with 37 questions 19. A third of the total sample size of 402 participants did not think that severe heat stroke might lead to fatal outcomes.…”