Abstract :
[en] Introduction
To be a firefighter is a dangerous job. Many authors have found anxiety, stress, depression, sleep disorders, absenteeism and other deviant behaviors in this type of high-risk occupation (Fullerton, Ursano & Wang, 2004 ; Carey, Al-Zaiti, Dean, Sessanna & Finnell, 2011 ; Elliot & Kuehl, 2007). Adopting an active lifestyle is therefore very important in reducing these health risks and thus maximizing the chances of staying healthy. It is for this reason that physical activity has an essential role for these people. According to this determining the place occupied by physical activity within the regional Walloon fire servicesseemed relevant. The first step should be to analyse the firefighters’ representations and lifestyle.
Methods
An online questionnaire (SurveyMonkey) was developed. It proposed a majority of closed-ended questions facing on age (38 ± 10.4 years), BMI (26.1 ± 3.7), gender (96.7% of men), rank, status (38.3% professional), PA representations and practices, well-being and self-esteem, job satisfaction, … We contacted one of the main firefighters association (FRCSPB) to reach a significant number of topics. 443 questionnaires were collected during a five weeks period. 394 were usable. 376 responses were needed to achieve a 95% confidence level with a 5% confidence interval based on all Belgian Firefighter.
Results and discussion
Results showed that firefighter showed positive representations about PA and were aware of the benefits of a regular practice on their health. Good stress management and cardiovascular endurance qualities were considerate as important in this profession. Nevertheless, subjects deplored a lack of maintenance of these qualities. The mean BMI of the subjects was above 26, indicating a slight overweight. Sedentary lifestyle, poor infrastructure, injuries due to lack of fitness allow us to suspect an insufficient training. Other factors were pointed out by the subjects (stress, absenteeism, deviant behavior…). Firefighters were generally satisfied with their job and considered that they have an acceptable quality of life. However lack of time, financial and human resources must not be a barrier to the practice of essential PA for those people who are directly related with danger.
References
Carey, M. G., Al-Zaiti, S. S., Dean, G. E., Sessanna, L., & Finnell, D. S. (2011). Sleep problems, depression, substance use, social bonding, and quality of live in professional firefighters. The international journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 53(8), 928-933. Doi: 10.1097/JOM.0b013e318225898f.
Elliot, D. L., & Kuehl, K.S. (2007). The effects of sleep deprivation on firefighters and EMS responders: final report. International Association of fire Chiefs.
Fullerton, C. S., Ursano, R.J.,& Wang, L. (2004). Acute stress disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and depression in disaster or rescue workers. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(8), 1370-76.
