A qualitative study on utilization of vulnerability assessment tool for heatwave-related health adaptation intervention in Australia

Bibliographic Data

ID22945936
AuthorsPatrick Amoatey (0000-0003-2995-5399, The University of Queensland), Grace Arnot (0000-0002-5646-6366, Deakin University), Aklilu Endalamaw (0000-0002-9121-6549, The University of Queensland), Nicholas J Osborne (0000-0002-6700-2284, The University of Queensland), Zhiwei Xu (0000-0002-8630-1204, Griffith University), Dung Phung (0000-0002-1615-3234, The University of Queensland)
Year2025
Volume40
Issue6
Publication date2025-10-30
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth Promotion International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0957-4824 • E-ISSN: 1460-2245
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/heapro/daaf221
PMID41416571
OpenAlexW4417535617
LanguageEN
References cited43

Heatwave-health vulnerability index (HVI) map is an important tool for mitigating heatwave. However, the perspectives of heatwave-health management professionals (HMPs) about heatwave vulnerability have not been examined. This study aims to understand HMP's perception and experiences of applying the HVI tool for heatwave-related health adaptation and mitigation. A semi-structured interview with HMPs was conducted between June and October 2024 across the Australian state agencies. We conducted an online interview, which lasted ∼31 minutes. Participants were asked to share their perspectives about the HVI tool, its policy applications, challenges, and recommendations. Twenty HMPs, the majority (75%) within 40–59 years old, 10 female (50%), and with a median (range) heat-health work experience of 6 (2–11) years participated in the study. The HMPs were from Health (50%), Climate/Environment (15%), Emergency Services (10%), Meteorology (10%), and City Councils (15%). The five themes identified were the following: (i) HMPs have moderate levels of awareness of heatwave vulnerability, particularly in the context of locating the hottest areas, (ii) HVI is considered an important tool for heatwave planning, public information, and urban design, (iii) adherence to traditional heat management strategies, low national awareness, and resourcing problems are perceived as key barriers to a national HVI, (iv) the current HVI is faced with methodological inconsistencies, limited understanding, and low confidence among policymakers, and (v) HMP are well positioned to evaluate HVI and encourage broader engagement of the index in Australia. This study offers critical insight for improving policy awareness and enhances the evaluation of the HVI through a multidisciplinary approach.

Adaptation (eye) · Context (archaeology) · Intervention (counseling) · Multidisciplinary approach · Perception · Public health · Qualitative research · Vulnerability (computing) · Work (physics) · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Climate variability and models · Thermoregulation and physiological responses

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