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Cho IK, Lee HS, Song K, Ahmed O, Lee D, Kim J, Cho E, Jang S, Kim JH, Chung S. Assessing Stress and Anxiety in Firefighters During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: A Comparative Adaptation of the Stress and Anxiety in the Viral Epidemic-9 Items and Stress and Anxiety in the Viral Epidemics-6 Items Scales. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:1095-1102. [PMID: 37997338 PMCID: PMC10678150 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 items (SAVE-9) and Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scales for measuring viral anxiety among firefighters during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted among 304 firefighters assigned in Gyeonggi-do. The SAVE-9 scale, initially developed for healthcare workers, was adapted for firefighters. We compared it with the SAVE-6 scale designed for the general population among the firefighters sample. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to explore the factor structure of both scales. Internal consistency reliability was checked using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Convergent validity was assessed in accordance with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scales. RESULTS The SAVE-9 scale demonstrated a Cronbach alpha of 0.880, while the SAVE-6 scale yielded an alpha of 0.874. CFA indicated good model fits for both SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales among firefighters sample. The SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 comparably measures viral anxiety of firefighters. CONCLUSION Both of the SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales are reliable and valid instruments for assessing viral anxiety among firefighters during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inn-Kyu Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Sung Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kayoung Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Veteran Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Dongin Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eulah Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU (Seoul National University) Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Chung S, Lee HS, Jang S, Shin YW, Kim JH, Jun JY. Pandemic Grief Reaction and Intolerance of Uncertainty on the Cognitive-Behavioral Model of COVID-Related Hypochondriasis Among Firefighters. Psychiatry Investig 2023; 20:826-833. [PMID: 37794664 PMCID: PMC10555506 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0165] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the feasibility of cognitive-behavioral model hypochondriasis regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) among firefighters. In addition, we examined the possible role of their grief reaction and intolerance of uncertainty in the model of COVID-related hypochondriasis. METHODS An anonymous online survey was done on October 27-28, 2022, among firefighters who witnessed people's death. Demographic characteristics were collected, and their psychological states were assessed using rating scales such as the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12 (IUS-12). RESULTS Their OCS score was expected by the CRBS (β=0.30, p<0.001), FCV-19S (β=0.10, p<0.001), PGS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and IUS12 (β=0.04, p=0.024) (F=134.5, p<0.001). The COVID-related cognitive-behavioral model of hypochondriasis was feasible among firefighters who witnessed people's death. Their pandemic grief reaction and intolerance of uncertainty directly influenced their preoccupation with coronavirus, and viral anxiety and coronavirus reassurance-seeking behavior mediated the relationship. CONCLUSION Firefighters' viral anxiety and coronavirus reassurance-seeking behavior mediated the influence of pandemic grief reaction or intolerance of uncertainty on the preoccupation with coronavirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Sung Lee
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soomin Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, SMG-SNU (Seoul National University) Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Wook Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Department of Public Health Medical Services, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Yong Jun
- Department of Psychiatry, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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Alves S, Vaz J, Fernandes A. Exploring Clinical Trials to Manage Firefighters' Sleep Quality: A PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3862. [PMID: 36900873 PMCID: PMC10001586 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sleep research has grown over the past decades and investigators are deeply involved in studying sleep and its impact on human health and body regulation. Despite the understanding that insufficient sleep is strongly linked to the development of several disorders, unsatisfactory sleep exposes health and safety to innumerous risks. The present study aims to review and analyze the main results of clinical trials, registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRT databases, and developed construct strategies to improve sleep quality on firefighters and enhance professionals' sleep and health conditions. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42022334719. Trials registered between first registry and 2022 were included. We retrieved 11 registered clinical trials; seven met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. A relation between sleep disorders, shift work, and occupational health problems was found, and retrieved trials showed that sleep education programs can improve sleep quality and sleep hygiene. Science has already recognized sleep's importance for metabolic functioning and survivorship. Nevertheless, it continues to play a major role in discovering methods to diminish the problems faced. Strategies contemplating sleep education, or intervention, should be presented to fire services to tackle this problem and promote healthier and safer environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Alves
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Josiana Vaz
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Laboratório Associado para a Sustentabilidade e Tecnologia em Regiões de Montanha (SusTEC), Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
| | - Adília Fernandes
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal
- Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde: Enfermagem (UICISA: E), Escola Superior de Saúde de Coimbra, 3000-232 Coimbra, Portugal
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Gaughan AA, Rush LJ, MacEwan SR, Panchal AR, McAlearney AS. Perspectives of Volunteer Firefighters during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Stumbling Blocks and Silver Linings. CHALLENGES 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 36213181 PMCID: PMC9540602 DOI: 10.3390/challe13020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the lives of almost every individual in every nation, with numbers of infections continuing to grow. Across these nations, first responders are essential in their roles addressing emergencies, despite their risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the course of their work. We sought to understand the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of volunteer firefighters in the United States, an understudied group of these first responders. Interviews were conducted with volunteer firefighters between September and November 2021. Interviews were analyzed using deductive dominant thematic analysis. Thirty-three firefighters were interviewed who had an average of 22 years of service and a mean age of 52 years. Interviewees described pandemic-related challenges including the fear of COVID exposure and frustrations with work and personal relationships. They also identified unexpected work-related benefits including a deepened commitment to serve and improvements to training and safety. Further, some volunteers noted personal benefits such as developing stronger connections with others, having a new outlook on life, and observing goodwill. Our findings provide insight into the multifaceted and complex impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on volunteer firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice A. Gaughan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Laura J. Rush
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sarah R. MacEwan
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ashish R. Panchal
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- The Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking (CATALYST), College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Orysiak J, Młynarczyk M, Piec R, Jakubiak A. Lifestyle and environmental factors may induce airway and systemic inflammation in firefighters. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:73741-73768. [PMID: 36094704 PMCID: PMC9465149 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22479-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Health status depends on multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. Nonheritable factors (such as lifestyle and environmental factors) have stronger impact on immune responses than genetic factors. Firefighters work is associated with exposure to air pollution and heat stress, as well as: extreme physical effort, mental stress, or a changed circadian rhythm, among others. All these factors can contribute to both, short-term and long-term impairment of the physical and mental health of firefighters. Increased levels of some inflammatory markers, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines or C-reactive protein (CRP) have been observed in firefighters, which can lead to local, acute inflammation that promotes a systemic inflammatory response. It is worth emphasizing that inflammation is one of the main hallmarks of cancer and also plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. This article presents possible causes of the development of an inflammatory reaction in firefighters, with particular emphasis on airway inflammation caused by smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Orysiak
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska St. 16, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Młynarczyk
- Central Institute for Labour Protection - National Research Institute, Czerniakowska St. 16, 00-701, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Robert Piec
- Institute of Internal Security, The Main School of Fire Service, Słowackiego St. 52/54, 01-629, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jakubiak
- Department of Heart Failure and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki and Wigury St. 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland
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Kwon J, Choi J, Kwon J, Lee CG, Seo DI, Song W, Park JJ, Lee HJ, Kang HJ, Ahn YS. Differences in salient beliefs associated with voluntary exercise training among South Korean firefighters before and after COVID-19. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1339. [PMID: 35836217 PMCID: PMC9281176 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13765-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Participating in voluntary exercise training is important to meet occupational requirements as well as firefighters’ health and safety. The purpose of this study is to identify salient beliefs associated with voluntary exercise training among firefighters in the pandemic era by comparing outcomes with those from a previous elicitation study, which was carried out before the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A total of 57 firefighters are recruited to participate in an elicitation study. Participants are requested to respond to six open-ended questions related to voluntary exercise training. Content analysis is used to create categories that combine similar factors in each belief. Beliefs mentioned by more than 30% of participants are used for comparison with the results of the previous research. Results “Improves my physical ability” (n = 44) and “cause injury” (n = 17) are identified as behavioral beliefs in the present study, whereas “makes me tired” and “takes too much time” were also elicited in Lee’s study. Normative beliefs are “family members” (n = 45) and “colleagues” (n = 27) and these results are consistent with those in Lee’s study. “Lack of time” (n = 28), “exercise facilities” (n = 19), and “COVID-19” (n = 19) are elicited as control beliefs in the present study, whereas “physical condition” (n = 21) and “exercise partners” (n = 14) were elicited as other control beliefs, and “COVID-19” was not mentioned in Lee’s study. Conclusion This study can contribute valuable information about salient beliefs associated with exercise training behavior among firefighters, particularly under pandemic conditions. Future researchers should develop tailored exercise training programs for firefighters based on current elicited beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhye Kwon
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 71-1, 08826, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Joohee Choi
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 71-1, 08826, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Juhyuk Kwon
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 71-1, 08826, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung Gun Lee
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 71-1, 08826, Seoul, South Korea. .,Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Dong-Il Seo
- Department of Sport Science, College of Liberal Arts, Dongguk University, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 38066, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Wook Song
- Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Seoul National University, 71-1, 08826, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Sport Science, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, 08826, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute On Aging, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Jung-Jun Park
- School of Sport Science, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, South Korea
| | - Han-Joon Lee
- School of Sport Science, University of Ulsan, Ulsan, 44610, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Kang
- Department of Sport Medicine, College of Natural Science, Soonchunhyang University, Chungcheongnam-do, Asan, 31538, South Korea
| | - Yeon Soon Ahn
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Genomic Cohort Institute, Yonsei Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Gangwon-do, Wonju, 26493, South Korea
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Portuguese Volunteer Firefighters in the Context of the Challenges Posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11070285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is producing not only epidemiological consequences on a global scale, but also political, economic, and social repercussions. The health care professionals that have been on the front lines fighting the pandemic need the support and assistance of other organizations to meet the many daily challenges. Volunteer firefighters stand out for their outreach approach and implementation of the Human2Human paradigm that has enabled them to meet the needs of the most vulnerable population that have been hit the hardest by the pandemic. This study adopts an ethnographic-action method considering Portuguese volunteer firefighters to explore the characteristics and relevance of these initiatives in areas such as combating isolation, medical assistance, containing the spread of COVID-19, and promoting public–private partnerships. The findings reveal that factors associated with altruism are central elements in the emergence of these initiatives, although some locally or nationally coordinated initiatives have been replicated in other contexts. It is also noteworthy that volunteer firefighters also present initiatives that can be fit into more than one category.
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