Lack of perceived neighborhood safety predicts the reporting of heat related illness symptoms among older adults

Background: With the changing climate conditions, there has been increase in the heat related illnesses in the recent decade in the US. Older adults are vulnerable to heat in general. Developing evidence based strategies to ensure preparedness of older adults for extreme heat related weathers is a public health priority. The objective of the study was to examine whether perceived neighborhood safety can predict the reporting of symptoms related to heat illness among older adults (Age 60 and over). Method: Portion (N=286) of the heat survey data (N=901) collected in Houston, Texas in November, 2011, via a random telephone survey was examined. Uni-variate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Uni-variate analysis suggested that perception of neighborhood safety could predict the report of symptoms related to heat illness. Logistic regression showed that those who did not feel that the neighborhood was safe were significantly more likely to report the symptoms (OR: 8.1, p<0.001). The relation was still significant when accounted for race and educational level. Conclusion: Lack of perceived neighborhood safety can significantly predict the reporting of symptoms related to heat illness. Potential mechanism could be through sub-optimal availability and access to services, resources and social network. Addressing perceived neighborhood safety could potentially be helpful in addressing heat related illness outcomes among older adults.