Stress and subjective health as indicators of psychological intervention need among firefighters in Lithuania

Abstract

Background: In 2015 the Program of Workplace Mental Health was implemented in Kaunas Region Firefighting Department, focusing on mental health promotion. Self-rated health (SRH) and experience of stress are important in this process. Screening of environmental psychosocial stress factors was implemented to assess the need for targeted occupational and psychological health interventions. Methods: 174 firefighters based in Kaunas region responded to the survey assessing psychosocial stress factors, with integrated L. Reeder Psychosocial Stress Scale (Cr.α-0,8), SRH (Cr.α-0,8) and questions related to psychological interventions. Results were compared with data from general population survey of Kaunas region. Statistical analysis involved calculations of mean and contingency tables, statistical significance p<0.05. Findings: Significantly more firefighters report excellent and very good SRH, as well as lower psychosocial stress (PSS) than in general population. Need for consultation with psychologist was expressed by 8% of firefighters. This group produced significantly worse indicators of PSS and SRH, than the rest of firefighters. Lower SRH was associated with age, while PSS indicator did not reveal differences between age groups. Discussion: Firefighters are professionals selected according to stringent health requirements. Stigma attached to mental problems prompts the need for discreet indicators to identify clients who could benefit from psychological interventions in this otherwise very healthy group. Higher occupational hazards could be countered with health promotion and counseling. The results of this project indicate that subjectively experienced psychosocial stress among firefighter correlates with positive admission of counseling need. This is helpful in planning and delivering the psychological counseling in the workplace.