The self-reported human health effects associated with heat exposure in Agincourt sub-district of South Africa

Abstract

Exposure to heat and heatwaves are associated with mortality and may amplify morbidities. In a climate change context, projections suggest temperatures will likely rise in the foreseeable future. Our paper assesses the current knowledge on human health effects of heat exposure and gathered local knowledge of heat-health effects in a rural area of the Agincourt sub-district of South Africa. Existing, peer-reviewed published literature on heat effects on human health as well as heat-health indicators was reviewed. Interviews and structured observations to collect data on heat effects on human health in Agincourt sub-district were conducted. The Lancet Countdown heat-related indicators were applied as a framework against which to discuss our findings. A total of 93 participants who lived in Agincourt sub-district for 5 years and more were interviewed. Participants reported that temperatures, especially summertime temperatures, had been rising over the past years. Health effects of heat were deemed more apparent in relation to morbidity. Heatwaves were not easily comprehensible as singular ‘events’, and their effects were poorly understood. The population groups disproportionately affected by heat included infants, the elderly, those living with disability and outdoor workers. High ambient temperatures were deemed to be associated with reduced labour productivity of outdoor workers. Community-level perceptions of heat impacts on health were mainly related to illnesses and diseases, with no understanding of mortality risk. Future health awareness campaigns that encompass the full range of heat-health impacts are essential to reduce vulnerability, morbidity, and mortality. Our study provided location-specific, qualitative, and indicator-aligned data for a geographic area expected to undergo significant heat stress in the future. The study findings have significant research, policy, and practice implications in similar resource-limited settings.

Perceptions of thermal comfort and coping mechanisms related to indoor and outdoor temperatures among participants living in rural villages in Limpopo province, South Africa

“…Future environmental health surveys should strive to include a qualitative component. Other studies such as Manyuchi et al (2022) that include ethnographic observations and/or focus groups/interviews and case studies provide such qualitative data that are needed to understand heat adaptation strategies in different parts of South Africa.…”

“…However, the connection between these events and the threat they pose to their forest-based livelihoods was not perceived. In Agincourt, Mpumalanga, interviewees reported that temperatures, especially summertime temperatures, had been rising over the past years and health effects from the heat were considered apparent, more so in relation to morbidity than mortality (Manyuchi et al, 2022). Rankoana (2016) considered community perceptions of climate variation (temperature and rainfall) and their ability to adapt to protect the production of subsistence crops.…”

Integrating Remote Sensing and Ground-Based Data for Enhanced Spatial–Temporal Analysis of Heatwaves: A Machine Learning Approach

“…Heatwaves denote prolonged periods of exceptionally hot weather, often coupled with high humidity, exerting severe repercussions on human health and the environment [1]. Despite extensive research endeavors [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], including investigations into urban areas vulnerable to the 'urban heat island (UHI)' effect [14,15], our current grasp of heatwave effects remains incomplete. This gap underscores the need for comprehensive studies focusing on diverse environments to ensure a thorough assessment of heatwave impacts across varied areas.…”

“…Extreme events of this phenomenon have far-reaching and detrimental consequences at global, national, and local levels. They impose significant impacts on societies, including increased morbidity and mortality rates, overwhelming healthcare systems, diminished agricultural and ecosystem productivity, and substantial economic losses [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Furthermore, heatwaves exacerbate the vulnerability of built environments, leading to increased energy demand for cooling and a heightened risk of infrastructure failure.…”

Spatial-Multitemporal Analysis of Heatwaves in Thailand: Discrepancies between In-Situ Air Temperature and Remote Sensing-Derived Land Surface Temperature

“…These extreme events have extensive and harmful consequences across global, national, and local scales, impacting society, economies, and built environments. Lethal exposure to heat and heatwaves is associated with mortality and may amplify morbidities [1], resulting in particularly pronounced direct health effects among vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, the sick, and low-income communities [1,2]. Additionally, indirect impacts encompass Disclaimer/Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s).…”