Heat-Resilient Workforce: Unveiling the Relationships Between Heat-related Knowledge, Risk Perception, and Precautionary Behavior in Indonesian Pine Forest Workers

Year 2024, , 67 - 77, 27.06.2024

Firyal Dhaifan Putra Efi Yuliati Yovi , Budi Kuncahyo

https://doi.org/10.33904/ejfe.1374811

Abstract

Behavioral changes play a crucial role in protecting the occupational health of outdoor workers, particularly those engaged in physically demanding jobs like forestry, against the adverse effects of rising temperatures–a clear consequence of climate change. Working in an environment with increasing temperature exposure heightens the risk of health disorders from both physiological and psychological perspectives, ultimately resulting in decreased work productivity. Numerous studies emphasize the positive correlation between behavior and knowledge. However, other variables that require thorough exploration are risk perception and work experience. Understanding the interplay among these four variables–behavior, knowledge, risk perception, and work experience–is crucial for formulating precise strategies to foster more cautious behavioral changes. This cross-sectional study, executed through a survey involving 50 pine tappers in the pine forest area of Bogor, Indonesia, utilizes Structural Equation Modelling with the Partial Least Squares approach. The research aims to explore the relationships between heat-related knowledge, risk perception, precautionary behavior, and work experience among outdoor workers, particularly pine oleoresin tappers. Through semi-structured interviews, insight into how to improve the workers’ precautionary behavior against the impacts of climate are investigated. The analysis uncovers positive connections between knowledge-risk perception, knowledge-precautionary behavior, and risk-perception-precautionary behavior. Additionally, the study underscores the mediating role of the dread risk factor (one element of risk perception) in shaping workers’ precautionary behavior. Another finding is that, with increasing work experience, pine tappers tend to underestimate risks, thereby diminishing their inclination toward precautionary behavior. These findings offer valuable guidance for enhancing the precautionary behavior of outdoor workers who confront the challenges of rising temperatures.

Keywords

Climate change, Health-related illness, Mediation analysis, Occupational health, Pine tappers

Ethical Statement

This research adheres to the principles of integrity, transparency, and respect for all participants involved, as underlined in the Helsinki Declaration (1964). Informed consent was obtained from each participant, and their confidentiality was strictly maintained. The study follows ethical guidelines set by the Ethical Commission of IPB University Document No. 882/IT3.KEPMSM-IPB/SK/2023. Any potential conflicts of interest have been disclosed. The aim of this research is to contribute valuable insights while prioritizing the well-being and rights of all individuals involved.

References

• Abokhashabah, T., Jamoussi, B., Summan, A.S., Abdelfattah, E., Ahmad, I. 2021. Effects of heat stress exposure and climate change on health and safety outdoor workers. Journal Current World Environment, 16(3): 836–847.
• Alsoghair, M., Almazyad, M., Alburaykan, T., Alsultan, A., Alnughaymishi, A., Almazyad, S., Alharbi, M., Alkassas, W., Almadud, A., Alsuhaibani, M. 2021. Medical students and COVID-19: knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception. Int J Environ Res Pub Health, 18(2): 842.
• Ansah, E.W., Appiah E.A., Amoadu M., Sarfo J.O. 2021. Climate change, health and safety of workers of workers in developing economies: a scoping review. Journal of Climate Change and Health, 3(1): 1–12.
• Arslanca, T., Fidan, C., Daggez, M., Dursun, P. 2021. Knowledge, preventive behaviors and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Turkish health care workers. PLOS ONE, 16(4): 1–11.
• Barclay, D., Higgins, C., Thompson, R. 1995. The partial least squares (PLS) approach to causal modeling: personal computer adoption and use as an illustration. Technology Studies, 2(2): 285–309.
• Barnett, J., Breakwell, G.M. 2001. Risk perception and experience: hazard personality profiles and individual differences. Risk Analysis, 21(1): 171–177.
• Bates, B.R., Tami, A., Carvajal, A., Grijalva, M.J. 2021. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among venezuelans during the 2020 epidemic: an online cross-sectional survey. Plos One. 16 (4): 1–16.
• Battisti, D.S., Naylor, R.L. 2009. Historical warnings of future food insecurity with unprecedented seasonal heat. Science, 323(5911): 240–244.
• Carter, W.N. 2008. Disaster Management: A Disaster Manager’s Handbook. Asian Development Bank., Manila. Chaswa, E.N., Kosamu, I.B.M., Kumwenda, S., Utembe, W. 2020. Risk perception and its influencing factors among construction workers in Malawi. Safety, 6(2): 33.
• Chin, W.W. 1998. The Partial Least Squares Approach for Structural Equation Modeling. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Publishers, New Jersey.
• Craig, G., Daftary, A., Engel, N., O’Driscoll, S., Ioannaki, A. 2017. Tubercolosis stigma as a social determinant of health: a systematic mapping review of research in low incidence countries. Int J Infect Dis, 56: 90–100.
• Dietz, T., Shom, R., Whitley, C.T. 2020. Climate change and society. Annual Review of Sociology, 46: 135–138.
• Dijkstra, T.K., Henseler, J. 2015. Consistent partial least squares path modeling. MIS Quarterly, 39: 297–316.
• Diskominfo Kabupaten Bogor. 2022. Buku Profil Daerah Kabupaten Bogor Tahun 2022. Dinas Komunikasi dan Informatika Kabupaten Bogor., Cibinong.
• Dunne, J.P., Stouffer, R.J., John, J.G. 2013. Reductions in labour capacity from heat stress under climate warning. Nature Climate Change, 3: 563–566.
• Fadel, T., Travis, J., Harris, S., Webb, G. 2022. The roles of experiences and risk perception in the practice of preventative behaviors of COVID-19. Pathog Glob Health, 116(1): 30–37.
• Fornell, C.D., Lacker, D.F. 1981. Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. Journal Marketing Research, 18: 39–50.
• Gan, C.C.R., Oktari, R.S., Nguyen, H.X., Yuan, L., Yu, X., KC, A., Hanh, T.T.T., Phung, D.T., Dwirahmadi, F., Liu, T., Musumari, P.M., Kayano, R., Chu, C. 2021. A scoping review of climate-related disasters in China, Indonesia and Vietnam: disasters, health impacts, vulnerable populations and adaption measures. Int J of Disaster Risk Reduction, 66: 102608.
• Hair, J.F., Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C.M., Gudergan, S.P. 2018. Advanced Issues in Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Sage., Thousand Oaks.
• Henseler, J., Ringle, C.M., Sarstedt, M. 2015. A new criterion for assessing discriminant validity in variance-based structural equation modeling. J of The Acad Mark Sci, 43: 115–135.
• Heydari, S.T., Zarei, L., Sadati, A.K., Moradi, N., Akbari, M., Mehralian, G., Lankarani, K.B. 2021. The effect of risk communication on preventive and protective behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak: mediating role of risk perception. BMC Public Health, 21:54.
• Hidayat, R., Farihah, A.W. 2020. Identification of the changing air temperature and rainfall in Bogor. Journal of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, 10(4): 616–626.
• Iorfa, S.K., Ottu, I.F.A., Oguntayo, R., Ayandele, O., Kolawole, S.O., Gandi, J.C., Dangiwa, A.L., Olapegba, P.O. 2020. Covid-19 knowledge, risk perception, and precautionary behavior among nigerians: a moderated mediation approach. Frontiers in Psychology, 11:566773.
• IPCC. 2013. Fifth Assessement Report – Climate Change 2013. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge, UK and New York, USA. Janz, N.K. Becker, M.H. 1984. The health belief model: a decade later. Health Education Quarterly, 11(1): 1–47.
• Kazaura, M. 2020. Knowledge, attitude, and practices about dengue fever among adults living in Pwani Region, Tanzania in 2019. Afr Health Sci, 20(4): 1601–1609.
• Kendrovski, V., Schmoll, O. 2019. Priorities for protecting health from climate change in the WHO European Region: recent regional activities. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz, 62(5): 537–545.
• Kirac, R., Cavmak, D., Soyler, S. 2021. Knowledge and awareness level of the society about COVID-19 in turkey: a cross sectional research. MJPHM, 21(1): 244–252.
• Kjellstrom, T., Holmer, I., Lemke, B. 2009. Workplace heat stress, health, and productivity an increasing challenge for low and middle-income countries during climate change. Global Health Action, 2(1): 46–51.
• Lee, K.W., Yap, S.F., Ong, H.T., Leong, P.P., Hatta, N.M., Lye, M.S. 2022. Knowledge, perceptions and behaviors related to COVID-19 in a university setting in malaysia. Frontiers, 10: 1–15.
• Lukas, L., Suoth, L.F., Wowor, R. 2018. Hubungan antara suhu lingkungan kerja dan jam kerja dengan stres kerja di PT. Adhi Karya (Persero) TBK Unit Manado Proyek Universitas Sam Ratulangi. Jurnal KESMAS, 7(4): 1–9.
• Lundgren, K., Kuklane, K., Gao, C., Holmer, I. 2013. Effects of heat stress on working populations when facing climate change. Journal Industrial Health, 51(1): 3–15.
• McClendon, M.J. 2002. Multiple Regression and Causal Analysis. Waveland Press., Illinois.
• Mortada, E.M., Elhessewi, G.M.S. 2022. Assessment of perceived risk and precautionary behavior toward COVID-19 pandemic using the health belief model, Saudi Arabia. Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association. 97(16): 1–11.
• Nyasulu, P., Sikwese, S., Chirwa, T., Makanjee, C., Mmanga, M., Babalola, J.O., Mpunga, J., Banda., H.T., Muula., A.S., Munthali, A.C. 2018. Knowledge, beliefs, and perceptions of tubercolosis among community members in Ntcheu District, Malawi. J Multidiscip Healthc, 11: 375–389.
• O’Connor, R.E., Bard, R.J., Fisher, A. 1999. Risk Perception, general environmental beliefs, and willingness to address climate change. Risk Analysis, 19(3): 461–471.
• Olaimat, A.N., Al-Nabulsi, A.A., Nour, M.O., Osaili, T.M., Alkhalidy, H., Al-Holy, M., Ayyash, M., Holley, R.A. 2022. The effect of the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of workers regarding COVID-19 precautionary measures on food safety at foodservice establishments in Jordan. Sustainability, 14: 8193.
• Olaimat, A.N., Aolymat, I., Shahbaz, H.M., Holley, R.A. 2020. Knowledge and information sources about COVID-19 among university students in Jordan: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers Public Health, 8:254.
• Paavola, J. 2017. Health impacts of climate change and health and social inequalities in the UK. Environmental Health, 16:113.
• Permatasari, N., Yovi, E.Y., Kuncahyo, B. 2023. Mitigating heat exposure for indoor and outdoor forestry workers: exploring the role of knowledge, risk perception, and precautionary behavior. Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 12(1): 11–26.
• Rayani, M., Rayani, S., Najafi-Sharjabad, F. 2021. COVID-19-related knowledge, risk perception, information seeking, and adherence to preventive behaviors among undergraduate students, southern Iran. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 28(42): 59953–59962.
• Riccò, M., Razio, B., Poletti, L., Panato, C., Balzarini, F., Mezzoiuso, A.G., Vezzosi, L. 2020. Risk perception of heat related disorders on the workplaces: a survey among health and safety representatives from the autonomous province of Trento, Northeastern Italy. Journal Of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, 61(2): 66–75.
• Rimal, R.N., Real, K. 2003. Perceived risk and efficacy beliefs as motivators of change: use of the risk perception attitude (RPA) framework to understand health behaviors. Human Communication Research, 29(3): 370–399.
• Ringle, C.M., Sarstedt, M., Straub, D.W. 2012. A critical look at the use of PLS-SEM. MIS Quarterly, 36(1): 3–14.
• Sadique, M.Z., Edmunds, W.J., Smith, R.D., Meerding, W.J., de Zwart, O., Brug, J., Beutels, P. 2007. Precautionary behavior in response to perceived threat of pandemic influenza. Emerg Infect Dis, 13(9): 1307–1313.
• Siegrist, M., Árvai, J. 2020. Risk perception: reflections on 40 years of research. Risk Analysis, 40(1): 2191–2206. Slovic, P. 1987. Perception of risk. Science, 236(4799): 280–285.
• Tenenhaus, M., Vinzi, V.E., Chatelin, Y.M., Lauro, C., 2005. PLS path modeling. Computational Statistics & Data Analysis. 48(1): 159–205.
• Vinzi, V.E., Chin, W.W., Henseler, J., Wang, H. 2010. Handbook of Partial Least Square: Concepts, Methods, and Applications. Springer., New York.
• Weisheimer, A., Palmer, T. 2005. Changing frequency of occurrence of extreme seasonal temperatures under global warming. Geophysical Research Letters, 32: 1–5.
• Wetzels, M., Odekerken-Schröder, G., van Oppen, C. 2009. Using PLS path modeling for assessing hierarchical construct models: guidelines and empirical illustration. MIS Quarterly, 33(1): 177–196.
• Xiang, J., Bi, P., Pisaniello, D., Hansen, A. 2014. Health impacts of workplace heat exposure: an epidemiological review. Journal Industrial Health, 52(2): 91–101.
• Yadav, M.K., Singh, R.S., Singh, K.K., Mall, R.K. 2015. Assessment of climate change impact on productivity of different cereal crops in Varanasi, India. Journal of Agrometeorology, 17(2): 179–184.
• Yovi, E.Y., Yamada, Y., Zaini, M.F., Kusumadewi, C.A.Y, Marisiana, L. 2016. Improving the OSH knowledge of Indonesian forestry workers by using safety game application: Tree felling supervisors and operators. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika, 22(1): 75–83.
• Yovi, E.Y., Gandaseca, S., Adiputra, I.N. 2012. Worker’s competency and perception toward safety and health on forest harvesting operation in Indonesian long rotation plantation forest. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika, 18(3): 198–205.
• Yovi, E.Y., Prajawati, W. 2015. High risk posture on motor-manual short wood logging system in acacia mangium plantation. Jurnal Manajemen Hutan Tropika, 21(1): 11–18.
• Yovi, E.Y., Fauzi, A. 2021. Penilaian risiko ergonomi dalam kegiatan pemungutan getah pinus: analisis postur kerja statis (Ergonomics risk assessment in pine resin harvesting: a static postural analysis). Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 9(1): 104–120.
• Yovi, E. Y., Prasetiana, D., Nirmalasari, N.A. 2021. Work measurement study on motor-manual pine tapping operation: the application of the concept of lean manufacturing and allowances. Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research, 8(1): 111–125.
• Yovi, E.Y., Abbas, D., Takahashi, Takuya. 2022. Safety climate and risk perception of forestry workers: a case study of motor-manual tree felling in Indonesia. International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics, 28(4): 2193–2201.
• Yovi, E.Y., Wilantara, B. 2023. Does motor manual pine oleoresin tapping bring work-related musculoskeletal disorders risk to the tappers? (RoM, REBA, RULA, and OWAS based postural analysis). Jurnal Sylva Lestari, 11(1): 123–135.
• Yovi, E.Y., Nastiti, A., Kuncahyo, B. 2023. Heat-related knowledge, risk perception, and precautionary behavior among indonesian forestry workers and farmers: implications for occupational health promotion in the face of climate change impacts. Forests, 14(7): 1–16.