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A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Shalin Bidassey-Manilal

    (Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

  • Caradee Yael Wright

    (Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
    Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 87373, Houghton, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa)

  • Thandi Kapwata

    (Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
    Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 87373, Houghton, Johannesburg 2041, South Africa)

  • Joyce Shirinde

    (The School of Health Systems and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Arcadia 0007, South Africa)

Abstract

Climate models predict that the global average temperature of Earth will rise in the future. Studies show that high classroom temperatures can affect the ability of the student to learn and function. It is important to understand the impact that heat will have on the health, wellbeing, and academic performance of learners, as they spend a significant amount of time in classrooms compared to any other environment. A follow-up panel study among 20 public primary schools in the Gauteng province (South Africa) will be carried out, in which Grade 4 learners will be selected to complete an hourly heat-health symptom questionnaire. A Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test will be used to determine their memory and attention span. A nursing practitioner will measure body weight, height, and temperature. Lascar data loggers will be used to measure indoor classroom temperature. School principals will complete a questionnaire on existing school coping mechanisms and policies in place that help deal with hot weather conditions. This is the first study to quantitatively assess the effects of heat on learners’ health, well-being and school performance in South Africa. The outcomes of this study will enable policymakers and public officials to develop appropriate school heat adaptation and mitigation measures and will assist in channeling their resources where it is most needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Shalin Bidassey-Manilal & Caradee Yael Wright & Thandi Kapwata & Joyce Shirinde, 2020. "A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-12, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:15:p:5531-:d:392494
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dapi N., Léonie & Rocklov, Joacim & Nguefack-Tsague, Georges & Tetanye, Ekoe & Kjellstrom, Tord, 2010. "Heat impact on schoolchildren in Cameroon, Africa: potential health threat from climate change," MPRA Paper 27335, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 06 Nov 2010.
    2. Harlan, Sharon L. & Brazel, Anthony J. & Prashad, Lela & Stefanov, William L. & Larsen, Larissa, 2006. "Neighborhood microclimates and vulnerability to heat stress," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(11), pages 2847-2863, December.
    3. United Nations Children's Fund UNICEF, 2015. "The Challenges of Climate Change: Children on the Front Line," Working Papers id:7920, eSocialSciences.
    4. Gall, E.T. & Carter, E.M. & Earnest, C.M. & Stephens, B., 2013. "Indoor air pollution in developing countries: Research and implementation needs for improvements in global public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(4), pages 67-72.
    5. Zomorodian, Zahra Sadat & Tahsildoost, Mohammad & Hafezi, Mohammadreza, 2016. "Thermal comfort in educational buildings: A review article," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 895-906.
    6. Rebecca M. Garland & Mamopeli Matooane & Francois A. Engelbrecht & Mary-Jane M. Bopape & Willem A. Landman & Mogesh Naidoo & Jacobus Van der Merwe & Caradee Y. Wright, 2015. "Regional Projections of Extreme Apparent Temperature Days in Africa and the Related Potential Risk to Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-28, October.
    7. Shalin Bidassey-Manilal & Caradee Y. Wright & Jacobus C. Engelbrecht & Patricia N. Albers & Rebecca M. Garland & Mamopeli Matooane, 2016. "Students’ Perceived Heat-Health Symptoms Increased with Warmer Classroom Temperatures," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-20, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Walter Leal Filho & Muniyandi Balasubramanian & Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga & Javier Sierra, 2023. "The Effects of Climate Change on Children’s Education Attainment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-12, April.

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