Occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in firefighters
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in firefighters. Material and Methods Data were collected among Cypriot firefighters through a battery of adapted questionnaires completed anonymously. Results A tota...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
2019-06-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.journalssystem.com/ijomeh/Occupational-Stress-and-Musculoskeletal-Symptoms-in-Firefighters,94554,0,2.html |
| Summary: | Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential association between occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in firefighters.
Material and Methods
Data were collected among Cypriot firefighters through a battery of adapted questionnaires completed anonymously.
Results
A total of 430 firefighters (a response rate of 68%) completed the survey (the age range: 21–60 years). A total of 11% of firefighters reported
moderate to extremely severe stress through the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale . A total of 40% of
firefighters reported musculoskeletal symptoms, the most frequent being back pain. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models showed that
occupational stress was associated with a 50% higher risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in firefighters after adjusting for age, smoking and obesity
(OR = 1.52, p = 0.04). In addition, a positive dose-response relationship was found between occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms.
Conclusions
Occupational stress constitutes a significant risk for firefighters and is associated with higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms
at work. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):341–52 |
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| ISSN: | 1232-1087 1896-494X |