Publication: Heat exposure and physiological changes among cooks in Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Loading...
Date
2016-06
Authors
Ismail, Mohd Nizamuddin
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the association between area heat exposure levels with the
physiological changes that include body core temperature, blood pressure and heart rate of
cooks. This cross-sectional study design utilised purposive sampling method to select 24
cooks from cafe's namely Murni, Nurani and food stall outside the Health Campus Universiti
Sains Malaysia. For area heat measurement, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) was
mounted on a tripod at height of 1.1 m and was placed near the source of heat for 8 hours.
For physiological changes measurement, body core temperature, blood pressure, and heart
rate were taken three times per day at pre-shift, mid-shift and post-shift. Respondents’
personal information, health history, work description, and symptoms of heat related illness
were asked using questionnaire. Four sampling sites had exceeded the permissible
threshold WBGT level of 28.0
temperature (p=0.016) and heart rate (p=0.004) between pre-shift and post-shift. There was
no significant correlation (p>0.05) between WBGT index with body core temperature at preshift
and mid-shift, but there is a marginal significant association for post-shift (p=0.053,
r=0.399). Such increase may be attributed by heat exposure. There was no significant
association between body core temperature and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) and
with heart rate (p>0.05). For sociodemographic factor, only age showed significant
association with the body core temperature. Preventive measures of heat stress at work
such as suitable personal clothing and drink more fluid is highly recommended.
Description
Keywords
Environmental exposure