Investigating heat stress and health risks in vulnerable populations in Bangladesh
Understanding heat stress and adverse health outcomes in vulnerable populations in Bangladesh: Can we move the needle by designing low-cost, feasible and culturally acceptable interventions?
This study is looking at how heat affects people living in low-income areas of Bangladesh, especially those without air conditioning, and it will test affordable ways to keep homes cooler to help protect their health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11064893 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how heat stress affects low-income individuals in Bangladesh, particularly those living in informal settlements without access to air conditioning. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of low-cost cooling strategies to reduce indoor heat stress and its associated health risks, such as cardiovascular disease and respiratory issues. By assessing personal heat stress and the impact of home modifications on heart rate, the research seeks to identify feasible interventions that can improve health outcomes for these vulnerable populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are low-income individuals living in informal settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh, particularly those without access to cooling systems.
Not a fit: Patients who live in well-ventilated homes or have access to air conditioning may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that significantly reduce heat-related health issues in low-income communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that community-based cooling interventions can effectively reduce heat stress and improve health outcomes in similar populations.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwong, Laura Hsi — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kwong, Laura Hsi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.