EARLY warning model for weather variables in primary prevention

Objective: This study was planned for developing a 'local early warning system model' with the aim of protecting, raising awareness and preparing the public about weather variables. Participants in the intervention group were expected to increase their awareness and attitude-behavior of weather variables with sending sms and e-mails about warning and information messages. Method: the study is an intervention study that determines the changes in the level of awareness before and after the intervention about extreme temperatures, high UV index and excessive air pollution issues in the intervention and control groups that were determined in Efeler central district of Aydın province. The study was performed between June 2014 and August 2016. G-Power analyzes was performed to identify the sample. Sample size was calculated as 1000 person by taking d=0,2 power=0,80 and 20% replacement. Message series and a web page were prepared in the scope of intervention. In that context awareness and attitude-behavior of control and intervention groups were identified with applying the first questionnaire. After the first questionnaire warning and information messages were sent by sms and e-mails for one year when threshold values of 27c, 6 and 101 determined for air temperature, UV index and air quality index respectively , were exceeded. Open informations to public were done by website. At the end of one year, changes in awareness and attitude-behavior were evaluated again by performing a questionnaire. Results : Total 882 person, 440 from the intervention group and 442 from control group, were reached. Average age of participants was 41,26±14,64. 55,9% (n=493) of participants was female and 44,1% (n=389) was male. It was seen that 60% (n=529) of 882 participants was placed in at least one sensitive group and 40% (n=353) was not placed in any sensitive groups. 31,9% (n=281) of participants was in a sensitive group and 48,3% (n=426) had a person in a sensitive group living within their homes. Before the intervention, states of hearing the words 'extreme heat', 'UV index' and 'extreme air pollution' was questioned. After the intervention, states of hearing the words 'UV index' and 'extreme air pollution' were increased significantly. In intervention group a significant increase was found when before and after the intervention points of temperature, UV and air pollution were evaluated. Also before and after the intervention points of extreme air temperature , attitude-behavior of protection from sun and extreme air pollution were increased significantly in intervention group. Before and after the intervention points of temperature, UV, air pollution, extreme air temperature and attitude-behavior of protection form sun and extreme air pollution were increased significantly in sensitive groups of intervention group. Conclusion: At the end of the study awareness of participants was increased by sending sms and e-mail messages when threshold values of air variables, determined before, were exceeded . ıt was seen that local early warning system model had raised awareness and attitude and behavior of the comunity positively. Key words: Climate Change, Extreme Heat, Air Pollution, Ultraviole, Early Warning Model