Natasha Schaefer Solle1,2, Alberto J Caban-Martinez1,3, Rachel A Levy3, BreAnn Young3, David Lee1,3, Tyler Harrison4, Erin Kobetz1,2. 1. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida. 2. Department of Medicine, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. 3. Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, Florida. 4. School of Communication, Coral Gables, Florida.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Despite hazardous exposures to cancer-causing agents in the line of duty, the main health and safety concerns of active firefighters have yet to be studied. We compare the perceptions of health and cancer risks between rookie and experienced firefighters. METHODS: Focus groups were used to investigate potential risk of job exposures, and broad-based concerns regarding work and health. An 18-item demographic survey was also administered. Five focus group sessions were conducted with a total of 57 firefighters. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that both rookie and experienced firefighters have a "high risk, high reward" mindset and identify injury, chronic disease, and stress as main health concerns. Experienced firefighters reported a shift in firefighter culture related to health. CONCLUSION: The perception of health and cancer risk of rookie and experienced firefighters differ in the prioritization of their concerns, however both groups equally report occupational cancer risk as their main health concern.
PURPOSE: Despite hazardous exposures to cancer-causing agents in the line of duty, the main health and safety concerns of active firefighters have yet to be studied. We compare the perceptions of health and cancer risks between rookie and experienced firefighters. METHODS: Focus groups were used to investigate potential risk of job exposures, and broad-based concerns regarding work and health. An 18-item demographic survey was also administered. Five focus group sessions were conducted with a total of 57 firefighters. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that both rookie and experienced firefighters have a "high risk, high reward" mindset and identify injury, chronic disease, and stress as main health concerns. Experienced firefighters reported a shift in firefighter culture related to health. CONCLUSION: The perception of health and cancer risk of rookie and experienced firefighters differ in the prioritization of their concerns, however both groups equally report occupational cancer risk as their main health concern.
Authors: Paola Louzado-Feliciano; Katerina M Santiago; Laura Paule; Geovanny Rivera; Natasha Schaefer Solle; Marija Miric; Eddy Perez-Then; Alberto J Caban-Martinez Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2022-03-01 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: Jarle Jakobsen; Ronnie Babigumira; Marie Danielsen; Tom K Grimsrud; Raymond Olsen; Cecilie Rosting; Marit B Veierød; Kristina Kjærheim Journal: Saf Health Work Date: 2020-07-18
Authors: Ewelina Szmytke; Dorota Brzezińska; Waldemar Machnowski; Szymon Kokot Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-29 Impact factor: 4.614