Accuracy of an estimated core temperature algorithm for agricultural workers

Jared Egbert, Jennifer Krenz, Paul D Sampson, Jihoon Jung, Miriam Calkins, Kai Zhang, Pablo Palmández, Paul Faestel, June T Spector, Jared Egbert, Jennifer Krenz, Paul D Sampson, Jihoon Jung, Miriam Calkins, Kai Zhang, Pablo Palmández, Paul Faestel, June T Spector

Abstract

There is a substantial burden of occupational health effects from heat exposure. We sought to assess the accuracy of estimated core body temperature (CBTest) derived from an algorithm that uses sequential heart rate and initializing CBT,1 compared with gastrointestinal temperature measured using more invasive ingestible sensors (CBTgi), among outdoor agricultural workers. We analyzed CBTest and CBTgi data from Washington State, USA, pear and apple harvesters collected across one work shift in 2015 (13,413 observations, 35 participants) using Bland Altman methods. The mean (standard deviation, range) CBTgi was 37.7 (0.4, 36.5-39.4)°C. Overall CBT bias (limits of agreement) was -0.14 (±0.76)°C. Biases ranged from -0.006 to -0.75 °C. The algorithm, which does not require the use of ingestible sensors, may be a practical tool in research among groups of workers for evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to prevent adverse occupational heat health effects.

Keywords: Agricultural workers; core body temperature; gastrointestinal temperature; heat stress; heat-related illness; physiological strain index.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure statement

The findings and conclusions in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are solely those of the authors. No potential competing interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Scatter plots (i,iv), Bland-Altman plots (ii,v), and histograms (iii,vi) of differences between observed (gastrointestinal) and estimated (algorithm) (a) core body temperatures (CBTs) and (b) physiological strain index (PSI) based on observed (gastrointestinal) and estimated (algorithm) CBTs using: (i–iii) default 37.1 °C; and (iv–vi) estimated baseline CBT (aural temperature +0.27 °C). Scatter plots include a best fit regression line; Bland-Altman plots include dotted lines representing bias and limits of agreement.

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