CCHeSS Study Heat and Health Switzerland

*If you have received a letter from us, please use the link in the letter and follow the instructions provided there.

What is the aim of the study?

How does hot summer weather affect people’s health and well-being in daily life?

How do people protect themselves – and what could help them cope better with the heat?

These are the key questions the CCHeSS study seeks to answer. CCHeSS* aims to explore how exposure to high ambient temperatures affects well-being, health, behavior, and use of healthcare care services. In close collaboration with participants and communities, CCHeSS aims to develop practical, and effective heat protection measures, to reduce the health burden caused by heat.

*CCHeSS: Climate Change and Health: Challenges and Opportunities to Build Resilience in Switzerland and the Global South

Why is this important?

Heatwaves are becoming more intense and frequent in Switzerland. Extended periods of hot weather can affect people’s health and well-being. During hot weather periods emergency hospital admissions and even deaths increase. Yet the underlying reasons, and the effects of heat on well-being, health symptoms, behavior, and use of healthcare services are still unknown. The CCHeSS study will gather new evidence on the effects of heat on health.

Who can participate in the study?

People aged 55-85 years who live in a private household in Switzerland can take part in this study. Participants need to be fluent in either German, French, Italian or English.

How does the study work?

Between March and September 2026 and 2027, participants will be asked to complete multiple online questionnaires. These can be conveniently completed from home on a computer, tablet or smartphone. The questionnaires include questions about health, the use of healthcare services, heat perception, and how people cope with high ambient temperatures throughout the warm season (May to September). Completing all questionnaires takes approximately two to three hours per year.

A group of interested participants will have the opportunity to take part in a workshop about heat and health. In some workshops, stakeholders from the Swiss health care sector will also be invited. During the workshops, participants and stakeholders will collaboratively discuss the impact of heat on health, identify the biggest heat-related health challenges, and develop possible heat protection measures together with the participants.

How do I benefit from participating in this study?

By taking part in this study, you will help improve the understanding of how heat influences our health. This understanding will support public health professionals in developing targeted, evidence-based strategies to protect and promote health in the long term.

If you participate in this study:

• You will regularly receive a study newsletter with first study results and interesting facts about heat.
• Gain insights into how heat affects you and how you cope with hot temperatures.
• You may have the opportunity to join a workshop, where you can meet the research team and representatives of the healthcare sector, and actively help shape future measures to reduce the effects of heat on health.

How can I learn more and sign up?

Interested in taking part? If you have received a letter from us, please follow the instructions provided there. Otherwise, click here for more information and sign up. Participation is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
Phone: +41 61 284 93 80
Email: heat@swisstph.ch

Contacting us is non-binding.

Project partners

Pro Senectute beider Basel supports the implementation of this research project.