Heat Wave Beliefs and Behaviors in Southern Spain

Aaron Metzger, Yuval Baharav, Peter Mitchell, Lilly Nichols, Breahnna Saunders, Alexis Arlak, Megan Finke, Megan Gottemoeller, Kurt Shickman, Kathy Baughman McLeod and Gregory A. Wellenius ()
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Aaron Metzger: Marketing for Change, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Yuval Baharav: Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Peter Mitchell: Marketing for Change, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Lilly Nichols: Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Breahnna Saunders: Marketing for Change, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Alexis Arlak: Center for Climate and Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
Megan Finke: Center for Climate and Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
Megan Gottemoeller: Marketing for Change, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
Kurt Shickman: Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Kathy Baughman McLeod: Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center, Washington, DC 20005, USA
Gregory A. Wellenius: Center for Climate and Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Extreme heat is a pressing public health threat. This study assesses and describes the interrelationships between beliefs about heat waves, individuals’ precautionary behaviors during heat waves, and demographic factors. In May 2022, we surveyed 1051 residents (aged 25–90 years) in Southern Spain, a region that experiences frequent heat waves. We found that many participants engaged in heat wave avoidance (80.5%, e.g., spending more time indoors), impact reduction (63.7%, e.g., drinking more water), or prosocial behavior (31.6%, e.g., helping others). However, one in four (25.9%) respondents also indicated that they personally do not need to worry about heat waves. Heat wave beliefs and behaviors were modestly correlated with demographic characteristics. Individuals who view themselves as less vulnerable to heat-related health risks (“impervious” beliefs) were less likely to report altering their behavior during heat waves. Public health efforts aiming to change behavior during heat waves may anticipate “impervious” beliefs and demographic differences in risk perception and heat-related behaviors.

Keywords: extreme heat; heat wave; heat safety; health behaviors; behavior change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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