Healthy Habits in Firefighters: Assessment in Shift Days Versus Days Off

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare dietary habits, sleep habits, and injury incidence between shift days and days off among Spanish firefighters. METHODS: 24-Hour dietary recalls, and sleep and injury questionnaires on both days were collected from 28 Sevillian professional firefighter, as well as anthropometric measurements and a physical activity questionnaire. RESULTS: Firefighters consumed 433 more kilocalories (P < 0.001), 2.4% and 3.1% more kilocalories from fat and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively (P < 0.05), had 3.7 times greater chance of being injured and slept 2 hours and 18 minutes less (P < 0.001) in their shift days. Higher body fat percentages were found in older and less active firefighters. CONCLUSIONS: Shift work appears to influence their dietary habits, injury incidence, and sleep habits, so measures to alleviate the consequences of shift work in firefighters should be taken