Knowledge and Awareness of Heat-Related Morbidity Among Adult Recreational Endurance Athletes
This cross-sectional study surveyed recreational marathon runners about their knowledge of heat illness. The survey was administered to registrants in the 2nd Annual Georgia Marathon and Half-marathon of 2008. A total of 1138 runners opted into the study and completed an online survey that covered demographic questions and questions about heat illness. They completed this survey prior to the marathon and represented 10% of the registrant population. Equal proportions of men and women completed the survey. The majority of those surveyed were white (88%), college graduates (80%), and had a salary over $80,000 (56%).
When asked “[is it true that] over 20% of those who suffer from heat stroke die?,” 48% of respondents answered “no.” Twenty percent did not think that heat illness caused by heat stress is “very real.” The authors suggest that their survey demonstrates a need for health awareness among an increasing number of recreational athletes participating in more strenuous activities. It is noted, as a limitation, that the survey questions might not accurately represent the participant's knowledge of heat illness and might not translate into hazardous behaviors.
(Int J Biometeorol. 2010; 1–8) DG Shendell, MS Alexander, L Lorentzson, FA Mccarty.
Prepared by Anil Menon, MD, UTMB/NASA Aerospace Medicine Fellow, Galveston, TX, USA