Abstracts

Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviour of the Elderly during Oppressive Heat and Air Pollution

Louis Jacques
Direction de santé publique de Montréal
ljacques@santepub-mtl.qc.ca

Elderly people, especially those suffering from chronic cardiac and respiratory diseases, are vulnerable to the effects of heat and smog. This study aims to evaluate among these people: 1) the recognition of messages issued by public health officials and the recall of recommended protective measures, and 2) the protective measures adopted during heat waves and periods of smog as well as factors associated with the adoption of this behaviour. The study was conducted in the summer of 2004 with the help of a questionnaire administered at home to 151 elderly persons, recruited in three local community service centres (CLSC) in Montréal. The results of the descriptive analyses will be presented. Among the group of participants, 65% stated that they had heard a smog advisory, and of these, 56% remembered at least one means of protection. For heat waves, 70% of participants reported having heard an advisory and 73% of them remembered at least one means of protection. On the other hand, 47% of people surveyed did not use an air conditioner in their home and had no intention of obtaining one. The main obstacles to using an air conditioner were: purchase price (44%), noise (42%), excessive cooling (45%) and the belief that it is harmful (38%) or aggravates health problems (43%). There were thus two types of obstacles: those related to the purchase or use of the apparatus and those related to negative beliefs. The discussion will address avenues of intervention for targeted behaviour.

2005-04-05