Health Behavior, Occupational Health, Total Worker Health
Conditions
Keywords
Sleep Hygiene, Cardiovascular Disease, Firefighter, Wildland, Occupational Hazards, Occupational Safety, health promotion
Brief summary
The overarching goal is to develop, refine and disseminate a comprehensive, easily accessible and effective Total Worker Health (TWH) program for wildland firefighters (WFF). The term Total Worker Health® (TWH) (NIOSH) refers to the synergistic combination of 1) health promotion (e.g., healthy nutrition, exercise, restorative sleep), 2) worker safety issues, such as protective equipment and hazard control, merged with 3) work organization change to support and promote TWH.
Interventions
OTHERTotal Worker Health for Wildland Firefighters
The program is structured as 30-minute modules that can be done individually, with a partner, as a group or in a classroom setting. The six core modules are supplemented with eight elective modules. The program can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet or computer, and if needed can be downloaded as a pdf.
Sponsors
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
Oregon Health and Science University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
This mixed-methods project had three phases. The initial qualitative phase was assessing the needs of wildland firefighters across segments and geographic locations to identify and prioritize program components. During the first phase, we recruited firefighters and collected baseline data in order to assess their needs. The second phase was to build a comprehensive, engaging TWH program for those fighting wildfires. It needed to be accessible on smartphone, tablet or computer, and suitable for individual, group and classroom settings. The final, third phase was to evaluate the program with a prospective proof-of-concept, usability and effectiveness trial among all types of wildland firefighters in different geographic locations.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* any firefighter attending an OHSU-led informational meeting
Exclusion criteria
* Firefighters planning to retire from fire fighting work within 12 months will be excluded.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| How the Program was Completed | 14 weeks | How the program was completed was assessed using the survey question: I primarily used this program on: The options were 1) By myself, 2) With other firefighters, 3) With my family, 4) Other. For other, space was provided for participants to write in their answer. |
| Change in Cardiovascular Risk Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in cardiovascular risk knowledge was assessed using this survey question: I know my risk factors for cardiovascular disease.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Physical Activity | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in physical activity was assessed using this survey question: On average, I get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (including your work).. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Supplement Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in supplement knowledge was assessed using this survey question: I need supplements to balance the additional nutritional needs of being a wildland firefighter.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Hydration Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in hydration knowledge was assessed using the survey questions: Camelback systems are more effective for maintaining hydration than canteens. and Dehydration begins to affect performance when fluid loss equals 2% of body weight.. Both were measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Nutrition Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in nutrition knowledge was assessed using the survey questions: Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for moderate to intense physical activity. and Protein is contained in many foods, including bread and rice.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Alcohol Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in alcohol knowledge was assessed using the survey questions: I know the definition of binge drinking. and Drinking alcohol increases my cancer risk.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Sleep Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in sleep knowledge was assessed using the survey questions: Power naps (15 to 30 minutes) will restore alertness and reduce accidents. and Staying awake for 24 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08, the legal limit. and Getting less than 5 hours of sleep lowers testosterone levels equal to someone 10 years older.. Both were measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Mental Health Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in mental health behavior was assessed using the survey questions: I am able to bounce back from stressful events. and In general, I manage stress in a healthy way.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Blood Pressure Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in blood pressure knowledge was assessed using this survey question: I know my blood pressure.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change In Nutrition Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in nutrition behavior was assessed using this survey question: I intend to eat every 2 hours while doing arduous wildland firefighting.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Cancer Risk Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in cancer risk knowledge was assessed using this survey question: I know my risk factors for cancer.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Alcohol Behavior with Sleep | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in alcohol behavior was assessed using this survey question: I use alcohol to get to sleep.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Primary Care Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in primary care behavior was assessed using this survey question: It is important for me to have a primary care physician.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Physical Activity Perception | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in physical activity perception was assessed using this survey question: I can get in shape two weeks before a wildland fire season.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Mental Health Self Perception | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in mental health self perception was assessed using the survey questions: I feel overwhelmed with my work. and During the last month, I felt significantly depressed.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Alcohol Cancer Risk Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in alcohol cancer risk knowledge was assessed using this survey question: Drinking alcohol increases my cancer risk.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Alcohol Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in alcohol behavior was assessed using this survey question: I am currently trying to moderate my drinking.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Support Perception | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in support perception was assessed using this survey question: I can rely on people at work to support me.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Sleep Hygiene Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in sleep hygiene behavior was assessed using this survey question: Before going to sleep, I wipe soot and ash from my skin.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Cardiovascular Risk Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in cardiovascular risk behavior was assessed using this survey question: I intend to keep track of my risks for cardiovascular disease.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Physical Exam Behavior | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in physical exam behavior was assessed using this survey question: I intend to get a physical exam once a year.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Heat Illness Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in heat illness knowledge was assessed using this survey question: When feeling over heated, the first thing to do is stop working.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Change in Injury Knowledge | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in injury knowledge was assessed using this survey question: On steep and rocky terrain, it is best to move quickly to reduce risk of injury.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Program Usability and Effectiveness | 14 weeks | Program usability and effectiveness was assessed using the survey question: During the program, the educational modules were valuable for improving my health. and This program was easy to use. and This was an efficient way to learn the material. and I learned ways to improve my health. and These topics should be part of our training. and I would recommend this program to my co-workers.. This was measured using a seven-point Likert agreement scale (1 = strongly disagree to 7 = strongly agree). |
| Technology Used for Program | 14 weeks | Technology used for program was assessed using the survey question: I primarily used this program on: The options were 1) Phone, 2) Tablet, 3) Computer, 4) Other. For other, space was provided for participants to write in their answer. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Body Mass Index | 0 weeks to 14 weeks | Change in body mass index was measured in kg/m2. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed