Students’ Perceived Heat-Health Symptoms Increased with Warmer Classroom Temperatures

Abstract

Temperatures in Africa are expected to increase by the end of the century. Heat-related health impacts and perceived health symptoms are potentially a problem, especially in public schools with limited resources. Students (n = 252) aged ~14–18 years from eight high schools completed an hourly heat-health symptom log over 5 days. Data loggers measured indoor classroom temperatures. A high proportion of students felt tired (97.2%), had low concentration (96.8%) and felt sleepy (94.1%) during at least one hour on any day. There were statistically significant correlations, when controlling for school cluster effect and time of day, between indoor temperatures ≥32 °C and students who felt tired and found it hard to breathe. Consistently higher indoor classroom temperatures were observed in classrooms constructed of prefabricated asbestos sheeting with corrugated iron roof and converted shipping container compared to brick classrooms. Longitudinal studies in multiple seasons and different classroom building types are needed.

The Epidemiology of Skin Cancer and Public Health Strategies for Its Prevention in Southern Africa

“…They may spend more time outdoors, especially if indoors is warmer than outdoors, as has occurred in dwellings in urban Johannesburg [59]. Similarly, in schools where shipping containers are being used as classrooms, indoor temperatures can exceed 40 • C [60]. In such hot conditions, schoolchildren experience tiredness and breathing difficulties and teachers may prefer to take children outdoors [60].…”

“…Similarly, in schools where shipping containers are being used as classrooms, indoor temperatures can exceed 40 • C [60]. In such hot conditions, schoolchildren experience tiredness and breathing difficulties and teachers may prefer to take children outdoors [60]. This may lead to increased exposure to the sun and possibly increase skin cancer risk.…”

Climate change adaptation in South Africa: a case study on the role of the health sector

“…Further, many school classrooms in the country are constructed of prefabricated asbestos sheeting and corrugated iron roofs or made from converted shipping containers. A study in several parts of Johannesburg showed that heat-related symptoms are common in these structures [21]. The authors postulate that improving these structures would increase comfort for scholars and could raise educational outcomes.…”

“…Impacts, including measurable mortality effects, are heightened in those living in informal settlements, where houses are often constructed of sheets of corrugated iron [18][19][20]. In addition, heat increments are pronounced in many schools and health facilities as these have not been constructed to withstand current and future temperature levels [21,22]. Importantly, all the impacts of climate change affect mental health, in a nation where already one sixth of the population have a mental health disorder [23].…”

Climate change and adolescents in South Africa: The role of youth activism and the health sector in safeguarding adolescents’ health and education

“…[32] In one study in Johannesburg, which has a relatively mild climate, temperatures reached as high as 47.5°C in the containers and the large majority of students reported experiencing heat-health symptoms every day, including drowsiness, poor concentration and thirst. [33] These impacts will be even greater in hotter regions of the country, such as Northern Cape and Limpopo provinces. A study in Cameroon had similar findings, with notably higher symptoms among girls than boys.…”