A study to better understand the impacts and behaviors

CaniculePrev aims to describe individual vulnerability to extreme heat, identify the population’s exposure conditions, and determine the consequences of this exposure on self-reported health. Santé publique France also seeks to assess the preventive behaviors adopted during these episodes, as well as perceptions of individual risk associated with high temperatures. This study complements the agency’s existing indicators of the health impacts of heat and heat waves, which are derived from data on emergency care utilization. 

This online survey is being conducted among a sample of 2,000 people aged 18 and older residing in mainland France. Public participation is essential to ensure the quality of the results, which will inform public health policies. Participants complete a self-administered online questionnaire. 

A multi-topic questionnaire: physical and mental health, exposure conditions, and individual protective measures

The questionnaire will first measure the impacts of extreme heat on physical and mental health, particularly before any use of emergency care. It will also allow for cross-analysis of these impacts with key determinants, such as conditions of exposure to extreme heat, individual vulnerability to heat, and sociodemographic characteristics. Finally, it will assess the implementation of protective measures, whether they involve maintaining a comfortable temperature in the home, cooling the body, or staying hydrated.

Results to Guide Public Health Policies

The findings from CaniculePrev will help inform public health policies and refine prevention messages to better protect populations, particularly the most vulnerable. As heat waves become more frequent, this survey is intended to be repeated annually to track changes in perceived health impacts and the individual behaviors people adopt to adapt and protect themselves. The initial results are expected in October.