Background
Climate change is a global disturbance that has led to an increase in frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. It poses health risks particularly in vulnerable urban settings (Haines et al, 20006). In sub-Saharan Africa, rapid urbanization, high population density and limited adaptation strategy worsened vulnerability to heat-related health outcomes (Codjoe & Nabie, 2014).
Where extreme heat has been linked to a range of physiological responses, less is known about how affected population represent and understand these effects in everyday contexts. (Kovats & Hajat, 2008).
The study is subsumed within the Heat Adaptation Benefits for Vulnerable Groups in Africa (HABVIA) project, which evaluates heat adaptation and related health outcomes in vulnerable populations (Deglon et al, 2025).
Theoretical perspective
This study draws on Social Representation Theory (Moscovici, 1961) to understand how people make sense of their experiences of extreme heat. It focuses on how these experiences are shared and expressed within the community like Ga-Mashie.
Objective
This study explores community members representation of extreme heat-related bodily effects in Ga-Mashie
Methods
A cross-sectional qualitative design was employed for data collection among 45 participants who were between the ages 18-65 years. They were purposively selected from the Ga-Mashie community, and they were part of the HABVIA project. Data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs), audio recorded and conducted in Ga language, the primary language spoken in the community. All recordings were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. Ethical approval was obtained. All the participants provided a written informed consent prior to data collection. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
Participants accounts provided reflected shared representation of how extreme heat affects the body in multiple ways. They indicated physical exhaustion, characterized by excessive sweating, constantly tired, experience fatigue, headaches, dizziness, blurred vison and skin rashes.
Some of the participants also reported cardiovascular effects, particularly among those with pre-existing hypertension, described experiencing increases in blood pressure and bodily discomfort. Additionally, women highlighted reproductive and hormonal effects, including disruptions in menstrual patterns and worsening menopausal systems during extreme heat periods.
Participants also described perceived causes of extreme heat including environmental change such as cutting down of trees, poor ventilation, overcrowded housing and use of heat producing activities.
Lastly the participants described everyday strategies used to cope with heat like drinking more water, bathing multiple times, using fans and sleeping outdoors at night.
conclusion
The findings show that experiences of extreme heat are understood in different ways, which together forms shared understandings within the community. These shared meanings reflect how people make sense of bodily effects of heat in their everyday lives. Incorporating such community-based accounts into heat-health competence research can develop context-specific responses to heat related health interventions.