A new study has been initiated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to evaluate the effects of heat on physical and mental health. The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation is leading the effort with partners including state governments and ICMR institutions.
The project aims to develop a personalised heat-impact metric tool for individuals, homes and communities. It will track 1,200 households at four sites: Perungudi in Chennai and Poompuhar in Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, and Sirwar in Raichur and Chalakarre in Chitradurga in Karnataka.
Participants will wear digital watches to monitor body temperature while weather systems measure environmental conditions. Interviews and health checks, including salivary cortisol levels, will occur in three phases starting this summer.
MSSRF chairperson Soumya Swaminathan said the study seeks a granular understanding of heat's impact on health. Director Mohan Kumar noted it will examine heat stress from a one-degree temperature rise and assess health system preparedness.
The work will also support an early warning app personalised for users and locations. State-level morbidity data will inform coping strategies and potential scaling of solutions.
