Citation

Lusa S, Punakallio A, Luukkonen R, Louhevaara V. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 2005; 79(5): 419-426.

Affiliation

Department of Physiology, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250, Helsinki, Finland, sirpa.lusa@ttl.fi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00420-005-0059-2

PMID

16331518

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate individual and work-related psychosocial factors associated with changes in the perceived physical and mental strain among fire-fighters. Methods: The 3-year follow-up study, done by a questionnaire, was based on data on 632 fire-fighters. The associations were investigated mainly by logistic regression modelling. Results: Accidents were associated with increased perceived physical as well as mental strain (OR 1.4-2.6). Unfair distribution of work tasks was associated with increased perceived physical strain (OR 8.5, CI 1.5-49.6). Frequent differences of opinion disturbing work (OR 2.7, CI 1.2-6.1) and lack of possibilities for career advancement (OR 4.6, CI=1.0-22.5) were associated with perceived increased mental strain at work. Conclusions: The results suggest that measures to reduce the perceived physical and mental strain of fire-fighters should be multi-factorial. However, to determine the content of the measures needs further intervention studies.