Alcohol Consumption, Physical Activity, and CAD Risk Factors in Firefighters

Introduction: Firefighting is a physically and psychologically stressful occupation, where firefighters often resort to alcohol use as coping strategy. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable misuse disorders, negatively affecting their health, well-being and, possibly, work performance. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of consumption its relationship with participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, weekly physical activity, coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. Methods: This used quantitative, cross-sectional descriptive design. A total 124 full-time firefighters, males females, were conveniently recruited from City Cape Town Fire Rescue Service, South Africa, between September November, 2020. then separated according sex, age, ethnicity, CAD Mann-Whitney U Kruskal-Wallis H determine statistical differences groups, Kendall’s Tau was assess correlation ordinal continuous variables, Chi-square association categorical variables. p-value less than 0.05 indicate significance. Results: In present study, 72.6% (n = 90) reported consuming alcohol, which 75.5% 74) male 61.5% 16) female. Of total, 40.0% 44) that they consumed variety alcoholic beverages, 32.2% 36) beers mainly, 14.4% spirits 13.3% 15) wines mainly. addition, 21.1% 19) categorised moderate drinkers 10% 9) heavy drinkers. The overall volume significantly different sexes ethnicities (p <0.05). associated low-intensity activity minutes, diastolic blood pressure, hypertension ( p 0.005). Sex 0.021) ethnicity 0.042) type. significant predictor well systolic 0.048) pressures 0.036). Conclusion: majority preferred beverages classified light Younger more females likely be categorized Alcohol hypertension. Educational programs mitigate should implemented preventative measure in fire service, especially among young firefighters.