Work-related factors and depressive symptoms in firefighters - preliminary data

Introduction: Firefighters participate in rescue activities with intense physical and psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to assess prevalence of depression and work-related stress in firefighters. Methods and findings: A questionnaire including items related to sociodemographic, health-related and work-related issues has been used. Depressive symptoms were assessed with PHQ-9 scale. Data were collected from 72 fire service workers (9 females). The mean age was 30.1±7.5 and 46.0±8.6 years for men and women respectively. 86.1% declared no chronic disease, 5.5% - hypertension and 4.2% - endocrine diseases. 62.5% were never smokers and 19.4% current smokers. 25% of the group declared drinking alcohol more than 2 times a week. More than 33.0% declared significant work-related stress. The main reasons were: lack of time to perform all activities (27.0%), low influence on work performance (15.3%), low pay (33%) and unequal treatment in the workplace (79.0%). Depressive symptoms were reported by 23%. Ten percent reported burnout symptoms and stress related to work. Conclusion: The occupational obligations and work-related stress may be responsible for the psychological problems experienced by firefighters.