Barriers and solutions to improving nutrition among fire academy recruits: a qualitative assessment.

ABSTRACT: The primary health concerns among US firefighters are cardiovascular disease, cancer, and depression and occur in an occupational setting where dietary habits are suboptimal. To understand if a diet or lifestyle modification works in a fire academy training setting, it is important to evaluate the cultural barriers and challenges that might be faced. A semi-structured telephone interview method followed by a focus group was used to gather common themes among fire service leaders. Twelve leaders participated in the telephonic interviews and a subset of five in the subsequent group session. Five main themes were identified. The study identified a need for staff and recruits to develop a cohesive culture that facilitates long-term change. Participants reported that incentives for good choices

SUBMITTER: Sotos-Prieto M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7811884 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature