An Investigation of Sleep Quality, Stress, and Healthy Eating Status Among Shift-Working Firefighters: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to assess perceived stress, sleep quality, and healthy eating attitudes among fire department personnel and to examine the relationships among these variables, working in various units of the department daily. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 188 participants. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (Short Form), and the Attitude Scale for Healthy Nutrition (ASHN). The ASHN total score was 75.84 ± 10.03, indicating generally positive nutrition attitudes. The Bergen score was 62.94 ± 19.15, reflecting moderate sleep disturbance. The Perceived Stress Scale score was 11.50 ± 2.61, showing moderate stress. Weak negative correlations were found between ASHN and the other scales, whereas Bergen and stress scores were positively correlated. Overall, shift-based, stressful firefighting work negatively affected sleep and stress.