Browsing by Author "Ras, Jaron"

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    Alcohol consumption, physical activity, and cad risk factors in firefighters
    (Bentham Open, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
    Firefighting is a physically and psychologically stressful occupation, where firefighters often resort to alcohol use as a coping strategy. Firefighters are particularly vulnerable to alcohol misuse and alcohol disorders, negatively affecting their health, well-being and, possibly, work performance. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its relationship with the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, weekly physical activity, and coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors. This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, South Africa, between September to November, 2020. Firefighters were then separated according to sex, age, ethnicity, and CAD risk factors. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H were used to determine the statistical differences between groups, Kendall’s Tau was used to assess the correlation between ordinal and continuous variables, and Chi-square to assess the association between categorical variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance.
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    Association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    (MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Kengne, Andre P.; Smith, Denise L.
    Approximately 45% of on-duty related mortalities were due to sudden cardiac death, with many of these fatalities related to cardiovascular disease and overexertion, while performing emergency duties. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to determine the association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness in firefighters. A literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOHost, and ScienceDirect was conducted; the Rayyan® intelligent systematic review tool was used to screen and select studies for inclusion. The appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme toolkit were used for methodological assessment of included studies. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 and MedCalc® statistical softwares to determine the effects of obesity (Z = 10.29, p < 0.001) and aging (Z = 4.72, p < 0.001) on cardiorespiratory fitness.
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    Association between major coronary artery disease risk factors in the city of Cape Town firefighter and rescue service
    (Bentham Science Publishers, 2021) Leach, Lloyd; Ras, Jaron
    Background: Many CAD risk factors occur concurrently, increasing the odds of the development of other risk factors, which is particularly seen in male and older firefighters. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the association and odds ratios between the various CAD risk factors in firefighters. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher generated questionnaire was used to collect participant sociodemographic information, and all research procedures were conducted according to the ACSM guidelines. The study took place between September and November 2019. Results: There were significant associations between hypertension and age [χ2 (1) = 18.0, p < 0.001, OR = 6.3 (95% CI: 2.6, 15.5)], hypertension and obesity [χ2 (1) = 7.9, p = 0.005, OR = 3.0 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.6)], hypertension and diabetes [χ2 (1) = 5.1, p = 0.040, OR = 4.0 (95% CI: 1.1, 14.8)], and hypertension and dyslipidaemia [χ2 (1) = 8.5, p = 0.004, OR = 3.1 (95% CI: 1.4, 6.7)], family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)], and family history and central obesity [χ2 (1) = 3.9, p = 0.04, OR = 2.4 (95% CI: 0.9, 5.8)]. Conclusion: Increased age, central obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia increased the odds of developing other major CAD risk factors, which was predominantly apparent in male firefighters of mixed ethnicity. The City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service should emphasize the mitigation of these major CAD risk factors through education and behavioural modification, especially as male firefighters aged.
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    Association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health in firefighters
    (MDPI, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Smith, Denise L.; Soteriades, Elpidoforos S.
    Firefighters perform strenuous work in dangerous and unpredictable environments requiring optimal physical conditioning. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and cardiovascular health (CVH) in firefighters. This cross-sectional study systematically recruited 309 full-time male and female firefighters between the ages of 20 to 65 years in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness was assessed using absolute (ab˙VO2max) and relative oxygen consumption (relVO2max), grip and leg strength, push-ups and sit-ups, sit-and-reach for flexibility and lean body mass (LBM). CVH encompassed age, smoking, blood pressure (BP), blood glucose, lipid profile, body mass index, body fat percentage (BF%), and waist circumference. Linear regressions and logistic regressions were applied. Multivariable analysis indicated that relVO2max was associated with systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001), non-fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), and total cholesterol (p = 0.037). Poor CVH index was negatively associated with rel˙VO2max (p < 0.001), leg strength (p = 0.019), and push-ups (p = 0.012).
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    Association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health in firefighters
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2023) Ras, Jaron; Soteriades, Elpidoforos Soterakis; Smith, Denise Louise
    Introduction: Firefighters are often placed in situations that require high levels of physical exertion, leading to significant strain on firefighters’ musculoskeletal system, predisposing them to musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and/or musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Physical fitness programs are often recommended and justified, in part, to prevent injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the association between physical fitness and musculoskeletal health (MSH) in firefighters. Methods: A total of 308 full-time firefighters took part in the study conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. Physical fitness tests encompassed a non-exercise estimation for cardiorespiratory fitness, grip and leg strength for upper and lower body strength, push-ups and sit-ups for muscular endurance, and sit-and-reach for flexibility. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire were used to determine MSIs and MSD, respectively. A p-value <0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Every one-unit increase in AbVO2max, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach decreased the odds of firefighters reporting MSIs by 5% (p = 0.005), 3% (p = 0.017), 3% (p = 0.006), and 3% (p = 0.034), respectively. Every one repetition increase in push-up capacity increased the odds of firefighters reporting neck, elbow and forearm, wrist and hand, and thigh discomfort by 3% (p = 0.039), 4% (p = 0.031), 5% (p = 0.002), and 5%` (p = 0.007), respectively.
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    Cardiovascular disease risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance in firefighters: A narrative review
    (Hindawi Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2022) Ras, Jaron
    Introduction. Firefighting is a strenuous occupation that requires firefighters to be in peak physical condition. However, many firefighters have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, impaired musculoskeletal health, and are not physically fit for duty, which all negatively impact their occupational performance. Therefore, the aim of this review is to determine the relationship between cardiovascular disease risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance in firefighters. Methods. The electronic databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched online via the library portal of the University of the Western Cape. Publications and grey literature between the years 2000 to present were used. In total, 2607 articles were identified; after the removal of duplicates 1188 articles were then screened, and were excluded for not meeting initial screening criteria. The remaining 209 full-text articles were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, where 163 articles were excluded. Only studies that were quantitative were included. This left 46 articles that were then finally included in the current narrative review. Results. The current literature indicated that significant relationships existed between cardiovascular risk factors, musculoskeletal health, physical fitness, and occupational performance. The results indicated firefighters who were aged, obese, physically inactive, cigarette smokers, and unfit were at the highest risk for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health complications, and unsatisfactory occupational performance. Musculoskeletal health complications significantly affected occupational performance and work ability and were related to physical fitness of firefighters. Most cardiovascular risk factors were related to physical fitness, and all physical fitness parameters were related to occupational performance in firefighters. Conclusion. The overwhelming evidence in the current review established that physical fitness is related to occupational performance. However, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and musculoskeletal health in relation to occupational performance is less clear and still understudied. Significant gaps remain in the literature.
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    Effects of cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health and physical fitness on occupational performance of firefighters: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
    (BMC, 2022) Ras, Jaron; Kengne, Andre Pascal; Smith, Denise
    Firefighting is a hazardous occupation, where firefighters are involved in life-threatening situations, being placed under tremendous physical strain, while wearing heavy and insulated equipment to protect them from chemicals, fumes and high temperatures. This necessitates that firefighter stay in good physical condition and maintain adequate cardiovascular fitness to cope with these stressors and perform their duties with minimal health risks. The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis is to determine the effect of cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health and physical fitness on the occupational performance of firefighters.
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    Knowledge and attitude toward health and CVD risk factors among firefighters in Cape Town, South Africa
    (PAGEpress, 2021) Ras, Jaron; Mosie, Duncan; Strauss, Matthew
    Firefighting is a hazardous occupation, and the firefighters’ fitness for duty is affected by their knowledge of and attitudes toward their health and their relationship in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude toward health and CVD risk factors among firefighters in South Africa.The study used a cross-sectional research design. A sample of 110 firefighters, males and females, aged 18 to 65 years were conveniently sampled from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher-generated self-administered questionnaire was completed online to obtain data from firefighters. A p-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
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    Knowledge and behaviours regarding physical activity of firefighters in the City of Cape Town fire and rescue service – a cross-sectional study
    (Ubiquity Press, 2024) Ras, Jaron; Botha, Jana; Burger, Yuwin; Ras, Warren; Leach, Lloyd
    Firefighters have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases due to the relationship between a lack of knowledge and poor behaviours regarding physical activity (PA). The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge and behaviours regarding physical activity of firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, as well as address the current dearth of literature on physical activity to decrease firefighters’ risk of chronic diseases. This cross-sectional study recruited 136 firefighters in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher-generated self-administered questionnaire on the knowledge and behaviours regarding physical activity was completed online using Google Forms. Statistical significance was set at a p-value less than 0.05. The results showed that 53% of firefighters had a poor knowledge of physical activity, and 47% had a good knowledge of physical activity, while 80% reported poor behaviours toward physical activity and 20% had good behaviours toward physical activity. There was a significant difference between firefighters’ knowledge of physical activity and their physical activity behaviour (p < 0.05), particularly related to marital status, age, and years of experience (p < 0.05). A safe environment was significantly associated with recreational PA (p < 0.05) and sleep behaviour was significantly associated with overall PA behaviour (p < 0.001).
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    Predicting coronary artery disease risk in firefighters – a cross-sectional study
    (2021-07-30) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
    Background: Firefighters are placed under severe cardiovascular load in performing active duty and, when carrying various coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors, firefighters are predisposed to significant morbidity and mortality. Reducing the incidence of these risk factors is paramount. The purpose of this study is to determine the predictors of CAD risk. Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational design. The researchers conveniently sampled 124 full-time firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researcher-generated questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and CAD risk factors information, such as age, gender, ethnicity, family history of CAD, cigarette smoking and physical activity levels, and all research procedures were conducted according to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines. Data collection took place between September and November 2019. Linear and logistic regression were used to determine the relationship between the various CAD risk factors and the predictors of CAD risk. Results: Age was a significant predictor of hypertension (p <0.01), dyslipidemia (p <0.01), diabetes (p <0.01), obesity (p <0.01) and central obesity (p <0.01). Gender was a significant predictor of obesity, central obesity and cigarette smoking (p <0.05). Waist circumference was a significant predictor of hypertension (p <0.01), dyslipidemia (p <0.01) and diabetes (p <0.05). Conclusion: Age was a significant predictor of various modifiable CAD risk factors, including obesity, in both genders and all ethnicities. Attentive monitoring should be in place as firefighters age, along with behavioural modifications designed to reduce age-related increases in CAD risk factors.
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    Prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors in Firefighters in the City of Cape Town fire and rescue service
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
    Over 45% of firefighter deaths are due to a sudden cardiac event caused by underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors that can be prevented through adequate CAD risk factor screening and management. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of CAD risk factors in firefighters in the City of Cape Town and the relationship between the various CAD risk factors. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive and correlational design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters of the City of Cape Town (CoCT) Fire and Rescue Service were conveniently recruited to participate in the study, including males and females of all ethnicities. Coronary artery disease risk factor information was obtained with a CAD risk factor assessment form, including, past medical history, smoking status, physical activity behaviour, ethnicity/race, age and gender.
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    Prevalence of coronary artery disease risk factors in firefighters in the city of Cape Town fire and rescue service – A descriptive study
    (PAGEpress, 2021) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
    Over 45% of firefighter deaths are attributable to sudden cardiac death related to coronary artery disease (CAD), with many of these deaths attributed to comorbidities. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in firefighters in the City of Cape Town (CoCT).The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 124 full-time firefighters were conveniently recruited between September and November 2019 from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service.
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    Relationship between physical activity, coronary artery disease risk factors and musculoskeletal injuries in the City of Cape Town fire and rescue service
    (SAGE, 2022) Ras, Jaron; Leach, Lloyd
    Musculoskeletal injuries in firefighters are a common occurrence, that increase as firefighters age, and may be related to the firefighters’ physical activity habits outside of the job. Certain CAD risk factors, such as obesity, cigarette smoking and ageing may be linked to increased injury risk in firefighters. Although firefighters may meet the recommended minimum physical activity minutes, they may remain at risk for sustaining musculoskeletal injuries. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between physical activity and CAD risk factors, between CAD risk factors and musculoskeletal injuries and between physical activity and musculoskeletal injuries. A total of 124 full-time firefighters, males and females, were conveniently recruited from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service. A researchergenerated questionnaire was used to collect injury, CAD risk factor and physical activity data. The proportion of firefighters who participated in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) was 63.7%, and those who were physically inactive was 69.4%. The prevalence musculoskeletal injuries among all firefighters was 27.4%. The most prevalent musculoskeletal injury was shoulder injuries in 35.3% of firefighters, followed by multiple injuries in 26.5% and back injuries in 14.7%. Age was a significant predictor of physical inactivity in firefighters [P = .002, OR = 1.08], BMI was a significant predictor of physical inactivity [P = .050, OR = 1.08], cigarette smoking was a significant predictor of firefighters not exercising [P = .007, OR = 2.31] and the total amount of vigorous-intensity exercise was a significant predictor of musculoskeletal injuries [P = .050, OR = 1.00]. In conclusion, older firefighters were more physically inactive and had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, and the latter decreased significantly after the age of 50 years. Emphasis should be placed on firefighters exercising in their leisure-time, especially as they aged.