Prevalence and factors associated with the adoption of heat-adaptive behaviors among residents of a French southern region

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, making it essential to examine individual protective strategies against their negative health effects. We conducted a survey (N = 1,515) in summer 2022 to investigate the prevalence of eight heat-adaptive behaviors (HABs) and the factors associated with their adoption. The population implemented the eight HABs heterogeneously, with closing shutters, blinds, or curtains and going to a cooler or air-conditioned place being the most and least adopted HABs, respectively. Using the Protective Action Decision Model (PADM), we found that greater perceived efficacy and descriptive norms were associated with higher adoption of HABs, as measured by an adaptation index, while greater perceived barriers led to lower adaptation. Conversely, demographic characteristics and self-reported health did not seem to be important predictors of adaptation. Our disaggregated analysis indicated that sociodemographic variables, such as gender or income, and threat perception variables exerted a heterogeneous impact on the eight HABs. Our study identified key drivers of HAB adoption that could help health authorities shape their communication campaigns to improve the population's adaptation to heatwaves.