Influences of occupational exposure on cognitive functions, job stress, and burnout levels: A cross-sectional study among Iranian firefighters

Abstract

Abstract Background Firefighters are exposed to job stress and burnout in the workplace, which can impair their cognitive functions. Methods This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in three Iranian fire stations. Sixty-one participants were studied, including 34 firefighters in the exposure group and 27 office workers in the control group. Job stress and burnout levels were measured using standardized job stress and burnout questionnaires, and cognitive functions were assessed using two computerized tests Stroop and continuous performance. Results The mean age and work experience of firefighters were 33.29 ± 9.44 and 10.42 ± 3.51 years, respectively. The firefighters’ job stress and burnout levels were, on average, 163.12 ± 9.18 and 88.89 ± 4.28, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The results of the Pearson correlation test revealed a strong correlation (r = 0.719) between job stress and burnout. Pearson correlation coefficient (r= -0.512-0.757), yielded from psychological tests, demonstrated that firefighters’ job stress and burnout had moderate to strong associations with certain indicators of Stroop and continuous performance tests. Conclusion This study demonstrates that firefighters experience high levels of job stress and burnout. In light of the significant associations between certain indicators of Stroop and continuous performance tests and job stress and burnout levels, it is possible to conclude that job stress and burnout reduce the cognitive functions of firefighters. However, further research is recommended in this field.