| Summary: | 碩士 === 南華大學 === 自然醫學研究所 === 99 === Researches have been published for stress-induced health issues in firefighters, however, little is known about the factors associated with their sleep quality. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of rotating shift, life patterns, and perceived health conditions on sleep quality in firefighters and investigate the coping strategies they used to improve insufficient sleep. A cross-sectional study was conducted in March, 2011 with the firefighters in Changhua County Fire Department. Two hundred and seventy-two completed questionnaires were returned and a response rate of 87.5% was acheived. The mean age of the respondents was 35.9 years. Results showed 96.7% worked in shifts, 59.6% had mild to severe mood disorders, and 33.8% had suffered from low back pain. Additionally, higher burnout scores were associated with age, years of experience, rotating shift, marital status, and parenthood. The mean global PSQI score was 8.5, and more than 70% had poor sleep quality. Results from univariate logistric regression and Chi-square analyses indicated that age, years of experience, job title, marital status, parenthood, rotating shift, smoking, alcohol consumption, physiological mental health, disease, and burnout were major factors associated with sleep quality. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associated factors with the use of coping strategies for firefighters against insomnia. Western medicine, sleeping pill, health food, and massage were the general health care utilizations used to improve sleep quality in the daytime, while essential oil and Gua-Sha therapy were habitually used before bed. Furthermore, results from analysis of variance (ANOVA) also demonstrated that 62.5% used at least one form of modality for treating insomnia both in the daytime and before bed. Our data showed the destructive impact of rotating shifts on health problems, burnout, and sleep quality in firefighters, and the treatment of insomnia by addressing the underlying causes, were noteworthy. In conclusion, results from this study can be used as a basis for the Fire Bureau to put more emphasis on sleep and stress management education and consultation, as well as to provide a safe and appropriate policy for firefighters.
|
|---|
