Preliminary survey on heat-wave-related symptoms in Beijing

Objective To understand the main heat-wave-related symptoms, to define vulnerable groups of heat-wave and to provide scientific evidence for making preventive polices to protect the population. Methods Xicheng district and Shunyi district in Beijing were selected for questionnaire survey. The subjects were selected by a three-stage sampling method and interviewed in their homes by well trained investigators. The actual sample size was 1 228. The questionnaire was about the heat-wave-related symptoms and the population characters. The population characters included residential areas, gender, age,chronic diseases and occupations. Results There were 710 people who experienced heat-waves. There were 385 people who had heat-wave-related symptoms during heat-wave, accounted for 31.4 % of all investigated population. The main symptoms occurred more frequently during the heat-wave as follows: dizziness,headache, etc.,irritable mood, irritability, insomnia, dreams,etc., tachycardia,high blood pressure, etc., nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. No significant difference was seen in incidence between the two investigated districts, as for the incidence, it was higher in female, in the age group of over 65 years, in the chronic illness group and in the group of retirees and enterprises and public institutions, with significant difference(P 0.1). Conclusion Heat-wave may cause obvious related symptoms in the susceptible population in Beijing, and it is essential to take preventive measure during heat wave for the health of the vulnerable groups.