Physiological Effects of Thermal Stress on Cognitive Performance and Error Rates Among Traffic Control Officers in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Background: Traffic control officers in Abuja's Federal Capital Territory work extended outdoor shifts under intense solar radiation and high ambient temperatures. Thermal stress degrades cognitive performance, including attention, reaction time, and working memory, which are directly critical to effective traffic management and accident prevention. Physiological evidence documenting this relationship in Nigerian traffic control personnel is lacking. Objectives: This study aims to assess core temperature by tympanic thermometry, dehydration status by urine specific gravity, and cognitive performance using the Trail Making Test parts A and B and a simple reaction time task among traffic control officers before and after a four-hour outdoor duty shift during peak summer temperatures in Abuja. Methods: Fifty traffic officers will be assessed pre-shift and post-shift on three alternating working days. Ambient temperature and humidity will be recorded using a digital thermohygrometer. Fluid intake during duty will be documented. Paired t-tests will compare pre- and post-shift physiological and cognitive values. Pearson correlation will relate temperature rise to cognitive performance changes. Expected Outcomes: Post-shift assessments are expected to reveal significantly elevated tympanic temperatures, higher urine specific gravity, and prolonged Trail Making Test completion times and reaction time latencies compared to pre-shift values. Conclusion: Findings will support the introduction of rest breaks, hydration facilities, and heat mitigation measures for traffic officers in Abuja. Keywords: thermal stress, cognitive performance, dehydration, traffic officers, Abuja.