Work-related factors and depressive symptoms in firefighters - preliminary data

Introduction: Firefighters participate in rescue activities with intense physical and psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to assess prevalence of depression and work-related stress in firefighters. Methods and findings: A questionnaire including items related to sociodemographic, health-related and work-related issues has been used. Depressive symptoms were assessed with PHQ-9 scale. Data were collected from 72 fire service workers (9 females). The mean age was 30.1±7.5 and 46.0±8.6 years for men and women respectively. 86.1% declared no chronic disease, 5.5% - hypertension and 4.2% - endocrine diseases. 62.5% were never smokers and 19.4% current smokers. 25% of the group declared drinking alcohol more than 2 times a week. More than 33.0% declared significant work-related stress. The main reasons were: lack of time to perform all activities (27.0%), low influence on work performance (15.3%), low pay (33%) and unequal treatment in the workplace (79.0%). Depressive symptoms were reported by 23%. Ten percent reported burnout symptoms and stress related to work. Conclusion: The occupational obligations and work-related stress may be responsible for the psychological problems experienced by firefighters.

Download Full-text

Self-Reported General Health, Overall and Work-Related Stress, Loneliness, and Sleeping Problems in 335,625 Swedish Adults from 2000 to 2016

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17020511 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 511 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Victoria Blom ◽

Lena V. Kallings ◽

Björn Ekblom ◽

Peter Wallin ◽

Gunnar Andersson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Health ◽

Population Level ◽

Birth Cohorts ◽

Related Factors ◽

Work Related Stress ◽

Poor General Health ◽

Work Related ◽

Sleeping Problems ◽

Health Related ◽

Related Stress

The prevalence of poor health, in particular stress-related mental ill-health, is increasing over time and birth cohorts. As rapid societal changes have occurred in the last decade and still are occurring, there is an interest in investigating the trends in health-related factors. The aim of the present study was to investigate trends in self-reported general health, overall stress, work-related stress, feelings of loneliness, and sleeping problems in 335,625 Swedish adults across categories of gender, geographic regions, length of education, and age from 2000 to 2016. On population level, sleeping problems and poor general health have increased markedly and significantly, while experiences of work stress decreased between 2000 and 2016 (p < 0.05). Overall stress and level of loneliness were unchanged (p > 0.05). The risk of having ≥3 symptoms (any of poor or very poor general health, often or very often perceived overall stress, loneliness, or sleeping problems) has increased significantly from 2000 to 2016 (ß = 1034 (1027–1040)). This increase was significantly higher in young (ß = 1052 (1038–1065)) and individuals with lower education (ß = 1056 (1037–1076)) compared to older and high length of education.

Download Full-text

O2B.3 Work related stress for new zealand workers in high risk sectors: what can we learn from a demographic analysis?

Occupational and Environmental Medicine ◽

10.1136/oem-2019-epi.39 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. A15.1-A15

Author(s):

Kirsten Lovelock ◽

Trang Khieu

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

High Risk ◽

Work Performance ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Psychosocial Health ◽

Work Related Stress ◽

Safety Attitudes ◽

Work Related ◽

High Staff Turnover ◽

Related Stress

The physical and psychological outcomes of work related stress place a burden on individuals, their families, workplaces and communities. Work related stress is a health and socio-economic and political problem. It reduces work performance; drives higher rates of absenteeism or sick leave; can increase rates of injury; prompt high staff turnover; and, can prompt poor health behaviours such as excessive drinking or taking of drugs. The research record focussing on work related stress in New Zealand (NZ) is small and uneven, but growing. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of work-related stress among workers by a set of demographic characteristics. The study used data from the Health and Safety Attitudes and Behaviour Survey (HSABS) 2016. A total of 2190 workers in the four high risk industries (agriculture, forestry, construction and manufacturing) were interviewed about their perceptions towards work-related stress. Weighting was conducted to control inherent biases. Differences between workers were examined by age, sex, ethnicity, qualifications and migrant factors (e.g. being born in NZ or arriving in NZ within five years). Overall, 11% of workers responded that they had experienced with work-related stress in the last 12 months. Work-related stress was more statistically prevalent among people from 25 to 34 years of age or those having a bachelor’s degree. Also, people being females or Maori or not born in NZ or first arrived in NZ in the last five years were more likely to have work-related stress. Findings from the study could allow better targeted and informed psychosocial health interventions to be implemented at workplace.

Download Full-text