School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
Anthropology Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Hisp Health Care Int. 2021 Sep;19(3):174-181. doi: 10.1177/1540415321993429. Epub 2021 Feb 19.
Agricultural workers perform intense labor outside in direct sunlight and in humid environmental conditions exposing them to a high risk of heat-related illness (HRI). To implement effective cooling interventions in occupational settings, it is important to consider workers' perceptions. To date, an analysis of agricultural workers' experience and perception of cooling devices used in the field while working has not been published.
Qualitatively data from 61 agricultural workers provided details of their perceptions and experiences with cooling interventions.
The participants in the bandana group reported the bandana was practical to use at work and did not interfere with their work routine. Cooling vest group participants agreed that the vest was effective at cooling them, but the practicality of using the vest at work was met with mixed reviews.
The findings of this qualitative study support and extend existing research regarding personal cooling and heat prevention research interventions with vulnerable occupational groups. Personal cooling gear was well received and utilized by the agricultural workers. Sustainable heat prevention studies and governmental protection strategies for occupational heat stress are urgently needed to reduce the risk of heat-related morbidity, mortality, and projected climate change health impacts on outdoor workers.
农业工人在户外直接阳光下和潮湿的环境条件下进行高强度劳动，面临着高热相关疾病（HRI）的高风险。为了在职业环境中实施有效的冷却干预措施，考虑工人的看法很重要。迄今为止，尚未发表关于农业工人在田间工作时对使用的冷却设备的经验和看法的分析。
定性数据来自 61 名农业工人，详细说明了他们对冷却干预措施的看法和经验。
头巾组的参与者报告说头巾在工作时很实用，并且不会干扰他们的工作常规。冷却背心组的参与者同意背心能有效地给他们降温，但在工作中使用背心的实用性则褒贬不一。
这项定性研究的结果支持并扩展了针对易受伤害职业群体的个人冷却和防暑研究干预措施的现有研究。个人冷却装备受到农业工人的欢迎和使用。迫切需要可持续的防暑研究和政府职业热应激保护策略，以降低与热相关的发病率、死亡率以及预计对户外工作者的气候变化健康影响的风险。
