New study: At-risk groups underestimate their vulnerability during heat waves
June 2026
How do people experience heat waves? What measures do they take to protect themselves? And are people actually aware of the risks they face?
As part of the GoHot project, researchers from VU University Amsterdam and Maastricht University investigated these questions in a study conducted during a heat wave among 514 residents of Limburg aged 50 and older. The results were recently published in the *Journal of Climate Change and Health*.
Heat doesn't affect everyone in the same way
The study shows that people in poorer health and with a lower socioeconomic status are particularly affected by heat. They reported more physical symptoms, greater discomfort, and more negative emotions during a heat wave.
It also became apparent that vulnerabilities can accumulate: people with multiple risk factors experienced more health problems and were more affected by the heat.
Little awareness of the deductible
It is striking that many people who belong to a high-risk group do not consider themselves to be particularly vulnerable. Even among participants with multiple risk factors, only about one-third felt they were at greater health risk during heat waves.
Even among people with multiple risk factors, only about one in three considered themselves particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems. Source: Comparing heatwave experiences, behaviors, and risk perceptions across high-risk populations in the Netherlands: A cross-sectional survey study - ScienceDirect
Not everyone takes the same precautions
People with a lower socioeconomic status did take protective measures more often, but they mainly used inexpensive solutions, such as fans, wet cloths, and water misters. More expensive measures, such as built-in air conditioning or outdoor sunshades, were used less frequently.
Among people in poorer health, however, no increase in protective behavior was found, possibly because physical limitations make it more difficult to take such measures.
The Importance of Customization
The results underscore that heat prevention requires a tailored approach. Not only age, but also health, income, and the combination of various vulnerabilities play an important role. The researchers therefore advocate for targeted interventions that better align with the daily realities of vulnerable groups.
The study "Comparing Heat Wave Experiences, Behaviors, and Risk Perceptions Across High-Risk Populations in the Netherlands: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study" was conducted by Eline van de Kamp, Francine Schneider, Hein Daanen, and Maud Huynen.