Heatwave Risk Perception and Its Determinants: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan

This dataset supports the study “Heatwave Risk Perception among Vulnerable Communities in Pakistan”, which investigates public perception and determinants of heatwave risk across Pakistan. The dataset was collected to better understand how individuals perceive heatwave-related risks, particularly in the context of increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events due to climate change. A total of 686 registered volunteers from the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan participated in an online survey. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, heatwave experiences, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of heat-related risks. The survey also included items related to perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, perceived benefits, cues to action, and other determinants influencing heatwave risk perception. The dataset includes: Raw and cleaned survey responses (anonymized). Variable descriptions and coding information. Construct scales used to compute the Heatwave Risk Perception Index (HRPI), developed from the first two constructs of the Health Belief Model (perceived vulnerability and perceived severity). Socio-demographic variables and indicators used in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Key findings from the associated study indicate that 57.73% of respondents demonstrated a high heatwave risk perception. Factors such as ethnicity, previous heatwave experience, awareness of heatwave plans, experienced maximum temperature, sleep disruption, perception of future heatwave increase, and personal or relatives’ health concerns were found to significantly influence heatwave risk perception. This dataset can be used for further research on climate risk communication, behavioral adaptation, and public health preparedness in the context of extreme heat events in South Asia.