We are looking for males and females over the age of 18 who live in the UK to take part in a UKRI and MRC funded research study. The study will evaluate heat sensitivities, education, and perceived barriers associated with preparing for a heat wave in the UK. The study will involve 1) a preliminary survey, 2) a heat survey, and 3) option to be involved in a focus group.
Why is this research important?
Climate change continues to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves, exposing humans to unseasonable and dangerously high temperatures which harms human health. In the UK during the heat waves in 2022, there were over 3000 excess deaths reported which is estimated to increase to over 7,000 by 2050.
Hot weather is also associated with an increase in heat related morbidity. For example, there is an increase in the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions, an increase in the number of deaths from cardiorespiratory and other diseases, an increase in mental health issues, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, and an increase in health-care costs. Despite the benefits of heat mitigation strategies, it remains unknown whether the public receive and engage effectively with education on the benefits of evidence-based strategies and whether they have sufficient knowledge on how to implement heat mitigation strategies.
What would taking part involve?
- If you agree to take part, you will complete a preliminary online survey which consists of ~20 questions and will take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Submitting this survey will initiate an invitation to complete a second survey 48 hours following a UK heat wave.
- The heat mitigation survey will consist of ~25 questions and will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. This survey includes a series of questions on your perceived heat sensitives, current education, and perceived barriers with heat mitigation strategies.
- Once you have submitted the survey you will be automatically directed to a separate page which will ask you to provide your contact details if you are interested about joining a focus group.
We are unable to pay participants, but we will be running a prize draw for a £50 Amazon voucher following the survey (where there is a 1 in 20 chance of winning). And all focus group participants will be offered a £30 Amazon voucher.
How do I find out more information?
If you would like to be involved with the research, read the participant information sheet, provide informed consent, and complete the preliminary survey here. By submitting the preliminary survey, you will be added to our database and the research team will be in contact as soon as the main survey goes live.
If you would like to speak to one of the research team, please contact Dr Jessica Mee j.mee@worc.ac.uk.