Impact of Physical Fitness on Mental Health Among First Responders: Public Health Implications
Abstract
Background: Up to 30% of all first responders develop behavioral health conditions and/or mental health challenges (SAMHSA, 2020). Research indicates that mental health challenges of first responders and health care workers are related to constant exposure to work-related stress and trauma (Hendrickson, 2021). Natural disasters and public health threats like COVID-19 pandemic brought tremendous challenges to first responders and exacerbated already demanding working conditions. Physical fitness has been reliably associated with overall better physical and mental health, as well as increase in quality of life (USDHHS, 2018). This study sought to ascertain the impact of physical fitness on mental health among first responders.
Methods: This research project was an analyses of de-identified, secondary data. During November 2021, first responders in the Southeast US completed a Mini-Mental Health questionnaire, administered by a medical provider (n=49). Fitness scores were computed based upon physical tests conducted by exercise physiologists. Descriptive and inferential statistics measured fitness and mental health scores and correlations identified associations between first responders’ physical fitness and mental health.
Results:Participants were primarily between 20-30 years old (37.5%), with most being overweight or obese (75%), and at-risk for hypertension (55%). Fitness levels between age groups were (p= 0.017) statistically significant, with those > 40 years old having the best physical fitness. Mean mental health score (m=12.12) was average. Pearson correlations revealed that physical fitness and mental health were statistically related (p
Conclusion: Public health professionals working with first responders should educate on the positive effect that physical fitness can have on mental health and wellness. The health of a community is dependent upon engaged, healthy first responders. More emphasis should be placed on providing avenues and time for fitness opportunities.
Keywords
first responders, mental health, fitness, stress, nutrition
Impact of Physical Fitness on Mental Health Among First Responders: Public Health Implications
Background: Up to 30% of all first responders develop behavioral health conditions and/or mental health challenges (SAMHSA, 2020). Research indicates that mental health challenges of first responders and health care workers are related to constant exposure to work-related stress and trauma (Hendrickson, 2021). Natural disasters and public health threats like COVID-19 pandemic brought tremendous challenges to first responders and exacerbated already demanding working conditions. Physical fitness has been reliably associated with overall better physical and mental health, as well as increase in quality of life (USDHHS, 2018). This study sought to ascertain the impact of physical fitness on mental health among first responders.
Methods: This research project was an analyses of de-identified, secondary data. During November 2021, first responders in the Southeast US completed a Mini-Mental Health questionnaire, administered by a medical provider (n=49). Fitness scores were computed based upon physical tests conducted by exercise physiologists. Descriptive and inferential statistics measured fitness and mental health scores and correlations identified associations between first responders’ physical fitness and mental health.
Results:Participants were primarily between 20-30 years old (37.5%), with most being overweight or obese (75%), and at-risk for hypertension (55%). Fitness levels between age groups were (p= 0.017) statistically significant, with those > 40 years old having the best physical fitness. Mean mental health score (m=12.12) was average. Pearson correlations revealed that physical fitness and mental health were statistically related (p
Conclusion: Public health professionals working with first responders should educate on the positive effect that physical fitness can have on mental health and wellness. The health of a community is dependent upon engaged, healthy first responders. More emphasis should be placed on providing avenues and time for fitness opportunities.
