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Jeong S, Kim J, Oh SS, Kang HT, Ahn YS, Jeong KS. The risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters. Ann Occup Environ Med 2024; 36:e24. [PMID: 39262292 PMCID: PMC11407432 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters are exposed to shift work, as well as unpredictable emergency calls and traumatic events, which can lead to sleep problems. This study aimed to investigate the risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters. METHODS This study used the Insomnia Severity Index to assess the insomnia in firefighters. The work schedule stability was classified with the frequency of the substitute work and the timing of notification for work schedule changes. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of insomnia by work schedule stability with covariates including sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol, caffeine intake, shift type, job, and underlying conditions. RESULTS Of the 8,587 individuals, 751 (8.75%) had moderate to severe insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 15). The prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher as the frequency of substitute work increased: <1 time per month (6.8%), 1-2 times (9.5%), 3-5 times (13.4%), and more than 5 times (15.7%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher when the timing of the schedule change notification was urgent or irregular: no change or several weeks before (5.4%), several days before (7.9%), one day before or on the day (11.2%), irregularly notification (11.6%) (p < 0.001). In comparison to the group with good frequency of the substitute work/good timing of schedule change notification group, the adjusted odds ratios of insomnia were 1.480 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.237-1.771) for Good/Bad group, 1.862 (95% CI: 1.340-2.588) for Bad/Good group, and 1.885 (95% CI: 1.366-2.602) for Bad/Bad group. CONCLUSIONS Work schedule instability was important risk factor of insomnia in firefighters. It suggests that improving the stability of work schedules could be a key strategy for reducing sleep problems in this occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saebomi Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jeonghun Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Oh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hee-Tae Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Yeon-Soon Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Kyoung Sook Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
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Piyachaiseth N, Sithisarankul P, Ratanachina J. Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study. J Prev Med Public Health 2024; 57:83-90. [PMID: 38147823 PMCID: PMC10861332 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.23.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Professional firefighters face various health hazards and are required to maintain both physical and mental fitness to effectively mitigate crises and respond to emergencies. Moreover, the long working hours and shift work of this profession impact sleep quality. This study investigated the quality of sleep and its associated factors among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of firefighters affiliated with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand between January 2023 and March 2023. A cluster random sampling technique was utilized to distribute 600 questionnaires to firefighters in 15 fire stations. The questionnaire addressed demographic, work-related, and environmental factors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS The response rate was 78.7% (n=472), and 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.9), additional part-time jobs (daytime, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; or nighttime, OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 16.7), noisy sleeping areas (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8), and the availability of adequate bedding (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.9). CONCLUSIONS Poor sleep quality among firefighters was associated with various personal, work-related, and environmental factors. Organizations should promote policies that improve sleep quality through good sleep hygiene practices and facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunnapat Piyachaiseth
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Sithisarankul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jate Ratanachina
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Marins EF, Caputo EL, Krüger VL, Junior DM, Scaglioni FG, Del Vecchio FB, Primo TT, Alberton CL. Effectiveness of m-health-based core strengthening exercise and health education for public safety workers with chronic non-specific low back pain: study protocol for a superiority randomized controlled trial (SAFEBACK). Trials 2023; 24:780. [PMID: 38041180 PMCID: PMC10693081 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07833-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability worldwide. Public safety workers are highly exposed to physically demanding activities and inappropriate postures, increasing the risk of experiencing LBP. Smartphone app-based self-managed interventions may be an alternative for chronic non-specific LBP (CNSLBP) treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone app-based self-managed exercise program plus health education, compared to a health education program alone, on neuromuscular and perceptual outcomes in police officers and firefighters with CNSLBP. METHODS This is a parallel, two-armed, blinded evaluator randomized clinical trial. Police officers and firefighters (from public safety institutions in the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil) will be randomly assigned to a m-health self-managed exercise program (twice a week) plus health education or health education alone. Self-management exercise program components are mobility and core resistance exercises, available on the app. Follow-ups will be conducted post-treatment (8 weeks) and 16 weeks after randomization. The co-primary outcomes will be pain intensity and disability post-treatment (8 weeks). Secondary outcomes will be biopsychosocial factors related to CNSLBP. DISCUSSION We hypothesize that the effects of a smartphone app-based self-managed exercise program on co-primary and secondary outcomes will be superior, compared to the health education only in public safety workers with CNSLBP. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05481996. Registered on August 01, 2022).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo F Marins
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Physical Education School, Rua Luiz de Camões 625, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96055-630, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo L Caputo
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Physical Education School, Rua Luiz de Camões 625, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96055-630, Brazil
| | - Vitor L Krüger
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Physical Education School, Rua Luiz de Camões 625, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96055-630, Brazil
| | - Dirceu M Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Computing, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Gomes Carneiro, 1, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Fabrício G Scaglioni
- Postgraduate Program in Computing, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Gomes Carneiro, 1, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Fabricio B Del Vecchio
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Physical Education School, Rua Luiz de Camões 625, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96055-630, Brazil
| | - Tiago T Primo
- Postgraduate Program in Computing, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Rua Gomes Carneiro, 1, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Cristine L Alberton
- Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Physical Education School, Rua Luiz de Camões 625, Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, 96055-630, Brazil
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Marvin G, Schram B, Orr R, Canetti EFD. Occupation-Induced Fatigue and Impacts on Emergency First Responders: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7055. [PMID: 37998287 PMCID: PMC10671419 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Fatigue in emergency first responders (EFRs) is known to affect performance abilities and safety outcomes for both patients and EFRs. The primary aim of this review was to determine the main contributors to occupation-induced fatigue in EFRs and its subsequent impacts. Following the PRIMSA checklist, academic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched using key terms with results subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Populations of interest were firefighters, paramedics, or emergency call centre personnel. Of the 5633 records identified, 43 studies, which reported on 186 unique measures from a total population of 6373 participants, informed the review. Synthesis revealed fatigue was caused by lack of sleep during the shift and consistent poor sleep quality which negatively impacted cognitive function, alertness, and physical and mental health while increasing safety-compromising behaviours and injuries. Both subjective and objective assessments of fatigue are necessary for effective risk management in EFRs. EFRs that are consistently fatigued are at a greater risk of poor physical and mental health, reduced cognitive function, and increased injuries. No studies reported on fatigue in emergency call centre personnel, highlighting a literature gap. Funding was provided by the Australian Capital Territory Emergency Services Agency. Preregistration was filed in OSF: osf.io/26f3s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Marvin
- Tactical Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Robina, QLD 4226, Australia
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Gao Y, Xu P, Aizetiguli M, Surong S, Zhu Z, Zhang J. Prevalence and influencing factors of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi city: a cross-sectional survey. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:68. [PMID: 37287043 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disorders refer to physiological and psychological states that cause adverse consequences due to the inability to fall asleep or poor sleep quality. The prevalence of sleep disorders varies greatly in different countries and regions due to different causes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi city, China. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with stratified random cluster sampling. Children aged 3-6 years old in one kindergarten randomly selected from each of the 8 districts of Urumqi from March to July 2022, and their parents were surveyed with a sleep quality questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of sleep disorders among preschool children in Urumqi was 14.29% (191/1336), and the prevalence of different symptoms was 42.81% for limb movements, 19.61% for snoring, 18.11% for bruxism, 16.39% for sleep talking, 12.57% for sweating, 11.60% for nocturnal awakening, 8.46% for nightmares, 6.89% for bed wetting, 3.74% for apnea, and 3.29% for sleepwalking. The prevalence of body movements, snoring, sweating, night-wake, nightmares, bed-wetting, apnea, and sleepwalking among different ethnicities were significantly different (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that the major risk factors of sleep disorders were difficulty adapting to new environments, unwillingness to express emotions, inconsistent attitudes of the family toward children's education, running before bedtime, strict family education methods, etc. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sleep disorders in preschool children in Urumqi is lower than the average level reported in other studies. Many factors affect the prevalence of sleep disorders in preschool children, but it is necessary to focus on the ability to adapt to new environments, psychological problems, and the impact of family education on sleep disorders. Further studies on the prevention and treatment of sleep disorders are needed for different ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongwei Gao
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Peiru Xu
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China.
| | - Maiming Aizetiguli
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shan Surong
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhaoxuan Zhu
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- College of Pediatrics, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
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