Table 2 Principal component analysis for the constructs knowledge, attitudes and practices, and heat strain symptoms, and their individual items

Knowledge

0.9

0.9

k1. Heat stress can degrade my work productivity.

0.8

0.7

k2. Heat stress can degrade my judgement.

0.8

0.6

k3. Heat stress can negatively affect my physical well-being.

0.8

0.7

k4. Heat stress can negatively affect my psychological well-being.

0.8

0.7

k5. Heat stress can negatively affect my emotions.

0.8

0.7

k6. Heat stress can negatively affect my job commitment.

0.8

0.6

k7. Keeping fit improve my heat tolerance.

0.6

0.4

k8. Hydration before work will improve my heat tolerance.

0.6

0.4

k9. Having adequate rest between shifts will improve my heat tolerance.

0.6

0.4

Attitudes and Practices

0.9

a1. Wearing PPE is uncomfortable for me.

0.6

0.6

a2. My work is too busy for me to take breaks.

0.6

0.6

a3. My work productivity is reduced when I wear PPE for work.

0.6

0.6

a4. Keeping myself hydrated throughout the shift is important.

0.2

0.4

a5. I find it inconvenient to take hydration breaks.

0.7

0.6

a6. I avoid taking breaks to conserve PPE.

0.8

0.5

a7. I avoid taking breaks to maintain infection control.

0.8

0.5

a8. I avoid drinking and/or eating to avoid going to the toilet.

0.8

0.5

a9. Drinking ice slurry will improve my heat tolerance.

0.3

0.3

a10. When I perspire, my PPE prevents evaporation.

0.4

0.5

Heat strain symptoms

0.6

s1. Headache

0.5

0.2

s2. Dizziness

0.5

0.2

s3. Thirst

0.5

0.2

s4. Vomiting

0.4

0.1

s5. Excessive sweating

0.5

0.1

s6. Breathing difficulty

0.5

0.2

s7. Dehydration

0.6

0.2

s8. Exhaustion

0.5

0.1

s9. Wanting to go to a more comfortable area

0.4

0.2