Exertional heat illness: knowledge and behavior among construction workers

Abstract

Construction workers are considered one of the most vulnerable health group workers. Exertional heat illness (EHI) is a well-recognized health hazard that causes significant sickness and death. The purpose of this study was to assess construction workers' environment and hydration status and to evaluate the effect of health education program on workers. An interventional study was conducted on 89 construction workers in Port Said City. Assessments of workplace environment and workers' hydration status were done by using workplace evaluation checklist, wet-bulb globe temperature, urine specific gravity, and urine color chart. A pre-post-test design was used in the evaluation of workers' knowledge and behavior regarding EHI. A health education program was conducted to improve workers' knowledge and behavior; then, evaluation was done after 1 month. The most reported symptoms of heat illness were sweating (100.0%), dizziness (98.0%), and muscle pain (82.0%). Most workers showed signs of minimal dehydration (78.7%). There was a significant improvement in workers' knowledge about EHI and behavioral action for prevention after health education. Construction workers are at high risk of exposure to EHI which raised the attention to provide educational programs which can guide workers to follow healthy behaviors and prevent EHI.