Factors associated with changes in perceived strain at work among fire-fighters: a 3-year follow-up study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate individual and work-related psychosocial factors associated with changes in the perceived physical and mental strain among fire-fighters.


METHODS
The 3-year follow-up study, done by a questionnaire, was based on data on 632 fire-fighters. The associations were investigated mainly by logistic regression modelling.


RESULTS
Accidents were associated with increased perceived physical as well as mental strain (OR 1.4-2.6). Unfair distribution of work tasks was associated with increased perceived physical strain (OR 8.5, CI 1.5-49.6). Frequent differences of opinion disturbing work (OR 2.7, CI 1.2-6.1) and lack of possibilities for career advancement (OR 4.6, CI = 1.0-22.5) were associated with perceived increased mental strain at work.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that measures to reduce the perceived physical and mental strain of fire-fighters should be multi-factorial. However, to determine the content of the measures needs further intervention studies.
Lusa
Sirpa
S
Department of Physiology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250, Helsinki, Finland. sirpa.lusa@ttl.fi
Punakallio
Anne
A
Luukkonen
Ritva
R
Louhevaara
Veikko
V
D000328:Adult; D005221:Fatigue; D005387:Finland; D005390:Fires; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011601:Psychophysics; D018635:Rescue Work; D012307:Risk Factors; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires