Carolyn M Muegge1, Terrell W Zollinger, Yiqing Song, Jennifer Wessel, Patrick O Monahan, Steven M Moffatt. 1. Department of Epidemiology, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University (Ms Muegge, Dr Zollinger, Dr Song, Dr Wessel); Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Indiana University (Dr Monahan); National Institute for Public Safety Health (Ms Muegge, Dr Moffatt), Indianapolis, Indiana.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine barriers to weight management among firefighters. METHODS: Health risk data collected on 2373 overweight firefighters were used for this cross-sectional study. Barriers to weight management were the dependent variables and demographic characteristics, readiness for change, and health risk factors were the correlates in the multivariate-adjusted logistic models. RESULTS: Overweight firefighters who were ready to begin a weight management program were more likely to identify "lack of knowledge about weight management," "lack of access to exercise opportunities," and "eating helps me cope with stress" and report a greater number of barriers toward weight management. Older firefighters were less likely to identify or report one or more barriers to weight management. CONCLUSION: Understanding barriers, readiness for change, and age may be useful in planning interventions to help firefighters better manage their weight.
OBJECTIVE: To examine barriers to weight management among firefighters. METHODS: Health risk data collected on 2373 overweight firefighters were used for this cross-sectional study. Barriers to weight management were the dependent variables and demographic characteristics, readiness for change, and health risk factors were the correlates in the multivariate-adjusted logistic models. RESULTS: Overweight firefighters who were ready to begin a weight management program were more likely to identify "lack of knowledge about weight management," "lack of access to exercise opportunities," and "eating helps me cope with stress" and report a greater number of barriers toward weight management. Older firefighters were less likely to identify or report one or more barriers to weight management. CONCLUSION: Understanding barriers, readiness for change, and age may be useful in planning interventions to help firefighters better manage their weight.
Authors: Fan-Yun Lan; Alejandro Fernandez-Montero; Ioanna Yiannakou; Orestes Marinos-Iatrides; Jacob T Ankeny; Jeffrey Kiser; Costas A Christophi; David C Christiani; Mercedes Sotos-Prieto; Stefanos N Kales Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2020-07 Impact factor: 2.162