Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health outcomes in firefighters: A cross-sectional study

Vancampfort, Davy; Soir, Erik De; Winkel, Ruud van; Louw, Quinette; McKeon, Grace; Rosenbaum, Simon; Seedat, Soraya; Ramos-Sanchez, Carlos Pelayo

doi:10.1080/15555240.2023.2191203

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 54 publications

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“…A reason for this correlation could be that firefighters who partake in exercise in their recreation time often do self-selected activities which are rewarding or enjoyable and allow them to focus on physiological responses (Vancampfort et al, 2023). This allows firefighters to participate in activities that don't correlate to their work, relieving them of their high stress levels (Vancampfort et al, 2023). The current study found that being male and having a safe environment was significantly associated with firefighters participating in recreational physical activity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

“…A study conducted by Vancampfort et al (2023) indicated that firefighters that showed sedentary behaviours during working hours also lead a sedentary lifestyle in their leisure time. This is supported with the current study, as a moderately positive correlation was seen between overall physical activity as part of occupation/work and overall physical activity as part of recreation (r = 0.467).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This is supported with the current study, as a moderately positive correlation was seen between overall physical activity as part of occupation/work and overall physical activity as part of recreation (r = 0.467). A reason for this correlation could be that firefighters who partake in exercise in their recreation time often do self-selected activities which are rewarding or enjoyable and allow them to focus on physiological responses (Vancampfort et al, 2023). This allows firefighters to participate in activities that don't correlate to their work, relieving them of their high stress levels (Vancampfort et al, 2023).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge and Behaviours Regarding Physical Activity of Firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service – a Cross-sectional Study

Ras,

Botha,

Burger

et al. 2024

Physical Activity and Health

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Background: Firefighters have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases due to the relationship between a lack of knowledge and poor behaviours regarding physical activity (PA). The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and behaviours regarding physical activity of firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, as well as address the current dearth of literature on physical activity to decrease firefighters' risk of chronic diseases. Design and Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 136 firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher-generated self-administered questionnaire on the knowledge and behaviours regarding physical activity was completed online using Google Forms. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05. Results:The results showed that 53% of firefighters had a poor knowledge of physical activity, and 47% had a good knowledge of physical activity, while 80% reported poor behaviours toward physical activity and 20% had good behaviours toward physical activity. There was a significant difference between firefighters' knowledge of physical activity and their physical activity behaviour (p < 0.05), particularly related to marital status, age, and years of experience (p < 0.05). A safe environment was significantly associated with recreational PA (p < 0.05) and sleep behaviour was significantly associated with overall PA behaviour (p < 0.001). Conclusion:Firefighters knowledge about physical activity did not translate into better behaviours regarding PA. Education and behavioural interventions are warranted to increase firefighters' knowledge of and improving their attitudes toward PA.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Knowledge and Behaviours Regarding Physical Activity of Firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service – a Cross-sectional Study

Ras,

Botha,

Burger

et al. 2024

Physical Activity and Health

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“…Some studies that have analyzed the ability to cope with catastrophic situations in relation to the current COVID-19 pandemic, trying to identify both risk and protective factors developed by this situation, proved that maintaining healthy lifestyles and social contacts, together with the acceptance of anxiety and negative emotions, are other important protective factors aimed at promoting greater self-control [ 44 ]. The higher level of PWB in firefighters could also be due to their high habitual physical activity since this factor softens the negative impact of traumatic experiences and daily stressors and may be able to reduce depression symptoms and addictive tendencies [ 45 , 46 ]. This hypothesis would be supported not only by the fact that these workers, regardless of the different phases of the pandemic, being considered essential workers, had continued to go to work (thus maintaining a minimum of physical activity), but also by the fact that information gathered during the health surveillance medical examination confirmed that most of the firefighters included in the study had continued to carry out moderate physical training (i.e., cardio and strength workouts).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of Firefighters

Riccardi

Fontana

Pacella

et al. 2023

Safety and Health at Work

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Perceptions Experiences and Challenges of Physical Activity among Firefighters with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services

Achmat,

Malema,

Erasmus

et al. 2024

TOPHJ

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Background The development of atherosclerosis in firefighters is affected by various cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, poor dietary choices, and lack of physical activity. Together, these elements lead to obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, and increased blood sugar levels. Continuous exposure to these risks raises the chances of worsening atherosclerosis, which can impede blood circulation to essential organs like the heart and brain. As a result, sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of fatalities while on duty in the fire service. Aim This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with physical activity among firefighters with risk factors for coronary heart disease in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Methods A purposive sample of nine full-time active career firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, representing three different ranks, was employed, using a descriptive qualitative study design. The semi-structured interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The participants were free to leave the study at any time and without penalty, and their rights to confidentiality were protected. The thematic analysis was then used to examine the transcripts. Results The results revealed that firefighters were not physically active enough to meet the suggested minimum levels of physical activity and were physically inactive. Sedentary lifestyles have numerous detrimental effects on the human body, such as elevated rates of dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all-cause death. Therefore, it is essential to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical exercise to improve the health and well-being of firefighters. Conclusion Policy strategies should be designed to introduce physical activities at low-moderate intensity levels and accommodate firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors. Implementing team-based physical activity interventions has demonstrated positive impacts on individual behavior changes within the fire service.

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Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and mental health outcomes in firefighters: A cross-sectional study

Cited by 3 publications

References 54 publications

Knowledge and Behaviours Regarding Physical Activity of Firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service – a Cross-sectional Study

Knowledge and Behaviours Regarding Physical Activity of Firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service – a Cross-sectional Study

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Well-Being of Firefighters

Perceptions Experiences and Challenges of Physical Activity among Firefighters with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services

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