Sleep and physical activity patterns in coordinator administrative staff in wildfire service settings

Mini-Oral Presentation C3.6

Authors

  • Juliano Schwartz University of British Columbia
  • Andrew T. Jeklin University of British Columbia; Monash University
  • Shannon S. D. Bredin University of British Columbia
  • Kai L. Kaufman University of British Columbia
  • Andrew S. Perotta Langara College
  • Bradley C. Hansen University of British Columbia
  • Darren E. R. Warburton University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.780

Keywords:

Workplace, Cognitive Fatigue, Health

Abstract

Background: Coordinator administrative staff working in wildland fire settings have high levels of stress and strain. They are responsible for the oversight of the health and safety of wildland firefighters and the general public. They are also often required to work in harsh environments with limited time for recovery. Purpose: To examine the sleep and physical activity patterns in coordinator administrative staff working in a wildfire service setting. Methods: The Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI) and the modified Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire were completed by 21 workers (61.9% Female), aged 21-61yr (mean ± SD = 38.5 ± 11.9yr) from the British Columbia Wildfire Service, before and after the 2020 fire season. Results: In comparison to before the fire season, by the end of the season there was a significant decrease in the quality of sleep (SCI score: 21.1 ± 7.1 vs 19.3 ± 6.9, respectively, t(20) = 2.493, p= 0.01), as well as in the amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week (268.6 ± 232.3min vs. 173.3 ± 169.7min, respectively, t(20) = 1.831, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that these individuals exhibit altered sleep and physical activity patterns during the fire season. The alterations in lifestyle behaviours are likely the result of the stressful and strenuous working conditions imposed by the fire season. Further studies are warranted to fully elucidate the effects of these changes on health outcomes in this population. Funding: This study was funded by WorkSafeBC.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Schwartz, J., Jeklin, A., Bredin, S., Kaufman, K., Perotta, A., Hansen, B., & Warburton, D. (2021). Sleep and physical activity patterns in coordinator administrative staff in wildfire service settings: Mini-Oral Presentation C3.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.780

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