Heat Strain Prevention in Elderly Agricultural Workers
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The study explores a multi-component heat strain prevention program for older agricultural workers in response to climate change. It assesses hydration, rest breaks, reflective clothing, and shade provision. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, it targets 120 elderly workers, evaluating core temperature, heart rate, and heat strain symptoms. The goal is to establish the program's effectiveness in safeguarding worker health and safety amidst increasing temperatures, offering evidence-based recommendations for this vulnerable group and potentially other occupations affected by climate change.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60 years or older * Actively working in agricultural occupations (farming, field labor, etc.) * Available to participate during the 4-week intervention timeline * Fluent in spoken and written Arabic * Agree to wear physiological monitoring devices during work Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to provide informed consent * Cognitive impairments affecting ability to understand and implement program guidelines * Dependence on supportive equipment like canes or wheelchairs * Chronic medical conditions expected to worsen with heat exposure (e.g. uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, kidney failure) * Required regular medications that impair thermoregulation * Allergies or sensitivities to monitoring devices and their attachments that cannot be mitigated