Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Background: Firefighters work to reduce threats and minimize the potential harm from fire hazards. The nature of firefighters’ work is demanding, often unpredictable and in stressful environments where they are routinely exposed to both mental and physical occupational hazards. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess prevalence of occupational injuries and the morbidity profile of firefighters in a single metropolitan city.
Methods: In this study, 253 firefighters from the area under Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) were included using stratified random sampling method. All consenting firefighters were interviewed in office located in fire brigade using a pre-validated interview schedule and the data was analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: From the study, it was found out that abrasion was the most common occupational injury among firefighters. Pre-hypertension and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the overweight category were prevalent findings among firefighters. Association between cadre and years of service with occupational injuries was found out to be statistically significant. Also, the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) with occupational injuries was found out to be statistically significant. There was no clear association between ages of firefighters and BMI with occupational injuries.
Conclusion: There is a need to conduct more studies in Indian setup on occupational hazards and injuries amongst firefighters. Awareness about normal BMI, management of DM and HTN, healthy food practices, aerobic exercises, prevention and treatment of addictions, a drive for Hepatitis B vaccination, appropriate management of injuries and health insurance will serve a bigger role in diminishing morbidity in this occupation.
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