Coping with rising temperatures for people with chronic illnesses
Chronical Illness-related Limitations of the Ability to Cope With Rising Temperatures: an Observational Study in Germany and Italy, Third Wave (CLIMATE-III)
This project will see if adults with chronic heart, lung, kidney, metabolic, or mental-health conditions experience more heat-related symptoms and whether their behaviors, risk perceptions, and self-care skills relate to those symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamburg) |
| Trial ID | NCT06890208 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study enrolls adults with chronic illnesses through general practitioner practices in Germany and Italy and collects a baseline online survey on health, behavior, risk perception, self-efficacy, somatosensory amplification, and health literacy. After baseline, participants complete symptom diaries on 12 selected days over up to 12 weeks; observation days are chosen based on local weather forecasts with emphasis on the warmest days (e.g., >30°C). Local temperature and humidity data are matched from national meteorological services, and participants receive an email prompt each observation evening. Data will be analyzed using multivariable, multilevel regression to link individual symptoms and behaviors with meteorological conditions and area-level urbanisation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) in Germany or Italy with at least one chronic condition such as coronary disease, myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, peripheral artery disease, COPD, asthma, diabetes, renal insufficiency, or selected psychiatric/neurological disorders who can consent and use an internet browser are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot give informed consent, have severe visual impairment, lack the necessary language skills, or cannot use an internet browser will not be eligible and therefore will not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians and public-health teams identify patients at highest risk during heat waves and tailor prevention advice and support.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational research has shown that heat increases cardiovascular and respiratory risks, but combining daily symptom diaries with behavioral and psychosocial measures across countries is a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * being 18 years or older * at least one of the following conditions: Coronary Heart Disease; Myocardial Infarction; Heart Failure; Cardiac Arrhythmias; Peripheral Artery Disease; Stroke; Transient Ischemic Attack; Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 or 2); Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Asthma; Renal Insufficiency; Depressive Disorder; Anxiety Disorders; Schizophrenia; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases. Exclusion Criteria: * no capacity to consent * severe visual impairment * insufficient German language skills * not able to use internet browser (eg, lack of hardware)
Where this trial is running
Hamburg
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf — Hamburg, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ingmar Schäfer, PD Dr. — Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
- Study coordinator: Valentina Paucke
- Email: va.paucke@uke.de
- Phone: +49-7410-53292
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.