Adiposity predicts self-reported frequency of poor health days among male firefighters.

Abstract

Quantify the association between adiposity and frequency of self-reported poor health days among male firefighters. Measures were taken for body mass index, waist circumference, and percentage of body fat. Firefighters self-reported the outcome of the number of poor health days in the past 30 days. Zero-inflated negative binomial models and fractional polynomial plots were used to determine the impact of adiposity on the frequency of self-reported poor health days. Body mass index (rate ratio [RR]: 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.003 to 1.073), waist circumference (RR: 1.012; 95% CI: 0.999 to 1.030), and percentage of body fat (RR: 1.021; 95% CI: 0.999 to 1.041) were associated with self-reported poor health days. Adiposity is positively associated with frequency of self-reported poor health days among male firefighters. Future efforts to improve health among firefighters should emphasize reductions in adiposity.