This study aimed to investigate and analyze indoor and outdoor workers' clothing and thermoregulatory behaviors during the summer. This study employed a survey methodology and conducted frequency analysis, an independent-samples t-test, a chi-square test, and multiple response analysis. The survey was distributed online to adults nationwide. A total of 386 valid responses were ultimately analyzed, comprising 177 male and 209 female respondents. Among them, 131 were teachers, 255 were non-teachers, 308 were indoors, and 78 were outdoor workers. Indoor workers reported higher response rates for wearing dresses and skirts than outdoor workers. These results can be attributed to gender differences and the nature of outdoor work, which often involves more movement and requires clothing that can accommodate heat and is suitable for physical activity. Outdoor workers frequently wore cooling sleeves and long pants to cope with the heat and block UV rays. Regarding thermoregulatory behaviors, over half of the respondents across all groups, regardless of gender, workplace, or teaching status, perceived the outdoor summer weather as extremely hot regarding self-identified thermal tolerance. In conclusion, it is essential to develop specific programs to help teachers, non-teachers, and indoor and outdoor workers dress appropriately during the summer for health and safety, especially for people working indoors, such as school teachers. These findings can serve as foundational data to support individuals indoors or outdoors and school life and develop programs for maintaining health and safety in the summer by wearing appropriate daily clothing.

Authors:
Su-Young Son, Kyungpook National University, South Korea
Mi-Jean Lee, Kyungpook National University, South Korea

About the Presenter(s)
Su-Young Son is an Associate Professor of Department of Home Economics Education, Kyungpook National University, Korea. She was conducted research at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Japan (2014-2017).

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Su-Young-Son-3

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