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Volume 17, Issue 4 (2025)
Iran J War Public Health 2025, 17(4): 1001-1008 |
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Ethics code: 336-CBISH-UTA-2023
History
Received: 2025/09/25 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2025/11/19
Received: 2025/09/25 | Accepted: 2025/10/19 | Published: 2025/11/19
How to cite this article
Velastegui M, Flores-Hernandez F, Núñez-Núñez M, Vargas Naranjo J P. Effectiveness of Stress Inoculation Training on Occupational Stress in Firefighters: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Ambato, Ecuador. Iran J War Public Health 2025; 17 (4) :1001-1008
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URL: http://ijwph.ir/article-1-1675-en.html
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Authors
Miguel Velastegui *1, Fernanda Flores-Hernandez, Mauricio Núñez-Núñez, Juan Pedro Vargas Naranjo
1- , alejo_310v@hotmail.com
Abstract (36 Views)
Aims: Stress Inoculation Training (SIT), a cognitive-behaviuoral intervention, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing stress among high-risk professions; however, evidence in Latin America remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of SIT in reducing occupational stress, enhancing resilience, and improving job satisfaction and well-being among operational personnel of the Ambato Fire Department in Ecuador.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study with a non-equivalent control group was conducted between January and June 2023. Sixty firefighters were recruited and allocated to either SIT (n = 30) or control (n = 30). The SIT group underwent eight sessions (30 minutes each, twice weekly) including relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills rehearsal. Stress was assessed with the ILO–WHO Work Stress Scale, resilience with CD-RISC, job satisfaction with JSS, and well-being with OWQ. Physiological biomarkers (salivary cortisol, resting heart rate) were also measured.
Results: The SIT group showed a significant reduction in occupational stress scores (109.2 ± 13.5 to 65.7 ± 18.4; p < 0.001), accompanied by decreases in salivary cortisol and resting heart rate. Significant improvements were also observed in resilience, job satisfaction, and occupational well-being. The control group exhibited minimal, non-significant changes across all outcomes.
Conclusion: SIT was effective in reducing occupational stress and improving resilience, job satisfaction, and overall well-being among firefighters in Ecuador. These findings underscore SIT’s potential as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for high-risk occupations. Nonetheless, larger studies with long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm generalisability and sustainability of the benefits.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study with a non-equivalent control group was conducted between January and June 2023. Sixty firefighters were recruited and allocated to either SIT (n = 30) or control (n = 30). The SIT group underwent eight sessions (30 minutes each, twice weekly) including relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills rehearsal. Stress was assessed with the ILO–WHO Work Stress Scale, resilience with CD-RISC, job satisfaction with JSS, and well-being with OWQ. Physiological biomarkers (salivary cortisol, resting heart rate) were also measured.
Results: The SIT group showed a significant reduction in occupational stress scores (109.2 ± 13.5 to 65.7 ± 18.4; p < 0.001), accompanied by decreases in salivary cortisol and resting heart rate. Significant improvements were also observed in resilience, job satisfaction, and occupational well-being. The control group exhibited minimal, non-significant changes across all outcomes.
Conclusion: SIT was effective in reducing occupational stress and improving resilience, job satisfaction, and overall well-being among firefighters in Ecuador. These findings underscore SIT’s potential as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for high-risk occupations. Nonetheless, larger studies with long-term follow-up are recommended to confirm generalisability and sustainability of the benefits.
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