Occupational Heat Exposure & Mental Health Outcomes: A Review and Framework Incorporating Social Determinants of Health to Guide Future Research.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Environmental heat exposure is associated with adverse mental health outcomes in the general population; however, the mental health effects of heat exposure in occupational populations have not been fully characterized. We sought to: (1) review primary research studies on the relationship of occupational heat exposure with mental health outcomes; and (2) synthesize the literature with a proposed framework to identify gaps and opportunities for future research, using an equity lens.

Recent findings: Ten peer-reviewed studies between 1997 and 2024 that met our selection criteria included five cross-sectional, one longitudinal, one mixed-methods, one qualitative, and two experimental/quasi-experimental studies of varying quality. Studies were conducted across five continents covering agriculture, forestry, fishing, hunting; public administration and healthcare; utilities; mining, oil and gas extraction; and glass manufacturing industries. Occupational heat exposure was associated with mental health outcomes including stress, anxiety, mental disorders and burnout in seven of ten studies. The literature on occupational heat exposure and mental health outcomes among workers is emerging. Future research should address research gaps through high-quality etiologic and solutions-oriented intervention research and should be informed by a framework that considers both upstream and downstream factors, including work psychosocial factors and social determinants of health. Research with worker populations with high current and projected occupational heat exposure and/or a high prevalence of factors associated with an increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes should be prioritized. Work equity should be addressed through partner-engaged methods and co-development of culturally appropriate products, incorporating the contexts and needs of populations at disproportionate risk of adverse mental health outcomes.