Abstract

Purposive random sampling in Central India was conducted from December to March to determine the health effects of heat waves on outdoor workers and the elderly in Chandrapur City. There were 200 senior people (>60 years old) and 300 outdoor workers (>40 years old) in the sample population. A carefully created, field-tested interview schedule was given to the sample population to gather information about the health impact of heat waves. The results are documented for two aspects: diseases and symptoms brought on by heat waves. A control population made up of 10% of the sample population groups was chosen to compare these results. According to the study’s findings, symptoms in the elderly include headache, weariness, dizziness, hyperhidrosis, dyspnea, and dehydration. Heat rashes, sleep disturbance, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, elevated blood pressure, impaired renal function, and hyperthermia are among the illnesses they have. Symptoms of heat waves for outdoor workers include decreased focus and productivity, fatigue, lightheadedness, profuse perspiration, elevated tension, and disorientation. They include prickly heat, headaches, weariness, and heat stroke. The study’s conclusions demonstrate how susceptible these sample population groupings are to heat waves. Therefore, preventative actions should be taken to lessen exposure to heat waves and, consequently, the illnesses and symptoms that are linked to them.

Key Words: Elderly, Central India, Chandrapur, Climate change, Health impact, Heat wave, Outdoor workers