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Heat Illness and Extreme Weather Health Literacy: Communication Preferences and Effectiveness for Patients Living in Climate-Change-Vulnerable Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Todd L. Sack

    (Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Aran R. Thiravialingam

    (Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Carlos Suanes Zubizarreta

    (Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Robby Felix

    (Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Rita Kanazeh

    (Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Innah Lachica

    (School of Medicine, St. George’s University, Saint George’s P.O. Box 7, Saint George’s Parish, Grenada)

  • Eddy Hernandez Cuesta

    (Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Alan Martin

    (Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Frederick Anderson

    (Department of Medical Education, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

  • Cheryl Holder

    (Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA)

Abstract

Health professionals are trusted information sources and could be valuable for improving climate change health literacy. Few studies address teaching patients about health risks associated with climate change, and no studies have focused on the medical office waiting room as a teaching site for populations from heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. We gave adult patients in primary care office waiting rooms printed teaching materials about heat-related illnesses. We asked them to read these at home and then complete an online confidential survey concerning their preferences among teaching methods and their preferences for communication during health emergencies. Ninety-one surveys were received from patients residing in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods. Patients liked receiving information in waiting rooms. Printed brochures were favored statistically by patients, but other teaching methods that are feasible for waiting rooms also rated well, including single-page printed fliers, posters, and video screens. Digital options were far less favored. We conclude that printed teaching materials may improve decisions that impact human health. The medical office waiting room appears to be an accepted, time-efficient, and effective site to communicate knowledge on climate change and health. Additionally, medical offices could play a role supporting government agencies to communicate with patients during weather-related health emergencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Todd L. Sack & Aran R. Thiravialingam & Carlos Suanes Zubizarreta & Robby Felix & Rita Kanazeh & Innah Lachica & Eddy Hernandez Cuesta & Alan Martin & Frederick Anderson & Cheryl Holder, 2025. "Heat Illness and Extreme Weather Health Literacy: Communication Preferences and Effectiveness for Patients Living in Climate-Change-Vulnerable Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:434-:d:1612648
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nicholas A. Mailloux & Colleen P. Henegan & Dorothy Lsoto & Kristen P. Patterson & Paul C. West & Jonathan A. Foley & Jonathan A. Patz, 2021. "Climate Solutions Double as Health Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Young, Rachel & Hsiang, Solomon, 2024. "Mortality caused by tropical cyclones in the United States," Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley, Working Paper Series qt3qq1n6t8, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley.
    3. Rachel Young & Solomon Hsiang, 2024. "Mortality caused by tropical cyclones in the United States," Nature, Nature, vol. 635(8037), pages 121-128, November.
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