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The Association of the Exposure to Work-Related Traumatic Events and Work Limitations among Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Mi-Ji Kim

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Yeoju Jeong

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Yeun-Soon Choi

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Ae-Rim Seo

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Yeongmi Ha

    (College of Nursing and Gerontological Health Research Center in Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Minjeong Seo

    (College of Nursing and Gerontological Health Research Center in Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

  • Ki-Soo Park

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea)

Abstract

Many firefighters suffering from traumatic events while on duty participate in the work force. However, the impact of work-related traumatic events on work performance is unclear. To address this issue, we administered a work-related traumatic event experience survey, the health-related work limitations questionnaire, the Korea Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization quality of life assessment to firefighters from four cities in Korea. The health-related work limitations questionnaire measured limitations in their ability to perform three specific work demands—physical, psychosocial, and environmental. Of 685 firefighters enrolled in the study, 618 (90.2%) were included in the final analyses. Their mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 41.1 ± 8.0 years and mean employment period ± SD was 163.0 ± 101.2 months. A large percentage of participants reported they had experienced work-related traumatic events. Among the firefighters, the total work limitation prevalence was 21.5%, 16.8% of them were limited in their abilities to perform physical work demands, 15.5% were limited in performing psychosocial work demands, and 13.8% were limited in their abilities to function without difficulty within the ambient work environment. Based on multivariable logistic regression, with having work-related traumatic event experience of a threat or injury to self, the odds ratio (OR) of having work limitations in physical (OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.17–9.41), psychosocial (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.08–8.61), environmental (OR = 4.89, 95% CI = 1.66–14.40) work demands, and total work limitation (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.44–9.68) increased significantly. With experiences of treating fatalities or injured patients, the OR of total work limitation increased significantly (OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.09–3.91). We demonstrated a relationship between the firefighters’ exposure to work-related traumatic events and their work limitations. A professional care management system for firefighters to prevent and manage work-related traumatic events should be developed in order to protect and improve their performance ability.

Suggested Citation

  • Mi-Ji Kim & Yeoju Jeong & Yeun-Soon Choi & Ae-Rim Seo & Yeongmi Ha & Minjeong Seo & Ki-Soo Park, 2019. "The Association of the Exposure to Work-Related Traumatic Events and Work Limitations among Firefighters: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:5:p:756-:d:210382
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sarah M. Jay & Bradley P. Smith & Samantha Windler & Jillian Dorrian & Sally A. Ferguson, 2016. "Does Suspected Sleep Disordered Breathing Impact on the Sleep and Performance of Firefighting Volunteers during a Simulated Fire Ground Campaign?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-11, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andra Cătălina Roșca & Alexandru Mateizer & Cristina-Ioana Dan & Evangelia Demerouti, 2021. "Job Demands and Exhaustion in Firefighters: The Moderating Role of Work Meaning. A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Francisco José Eiroa-Orosa, 2020. "Understanding Psychosocial Wellbeing in the Context of Complex and Multidimensional Problems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-8, August.

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