Occupational stress and musculoskeletal symptoms in firefighters

Abstract

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

Keywords

• physical activity
• questionnaire survey
• work-related stress
• firefighters
• musculoskeletal disorders
• psychosomatic stress