Community Forestry Service Project: Report on the Current State of Public Health and Climate Risks in Barrio Caguas Pueblo

Abstract

Cynthia Burgos-Lopez, N. Casellas-Perez, V. Casellas-Perez and S. Diaz Barbosa

Rising temperatures associated with climate change, amplified by the urban heat island effect, pose a growing public health risk in the urban centers of Puerto Rico. This study, conducted as part of the Community Forestry Service Project, examined heat perception, its health effects, and the mitigation measures prioritized by residents of Barrio Caguas Pueblo, in the municipality of Caguas. Using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, a 27-item online questionnaire was administered to 117 participants between August 2025 and March 2026. Results indicate that residents perceive a considerable increase in heat intensity compared with 2024: the highest level of the scale predominated across all age groups and reached its greatest proportion among participants aged 61 to 70. The town center, the public plaza, and the area surrounding City Hall were identified as the hottest locations (35.1% of mentions), although a similar proportion described heat as a widespread condition throughout the urban core (36.5%). Fatigue or exhaustion was the most frequently reported symptom, with the highest prevalence among adults aged 31 to 60, while participants aged 61 and older reported fewer symptoms despite perceiving heat more intensely, suggesting a possible underestimation of risk. The community expressed strong support for nature-based solutions: 90.6% supported planting more trees and 71.8% supported creating shaded spaces. These findings highlight the need to integrate urban forestry with public health strategies and community participation to mitigate extreme heat in Barrio Pueblo.

PDF