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Volume 17, Issue 4 (2025)
Iran J War Public Health 2025, 17(4): 335-342 |
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Ethics code: 336-CBISH-UTA-2023
History
Received: 2025/07/1 | Accepted: 2025/08/19 | Published: 2025/08/22
Received: 2025/07/1 | Accepted: 2025/08/19 | Published: 2025/08/22
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Velastegui-Saltos M, Flores-Hernandez F, Núñez-Núñez M, Naranjo J. Effect of Stress Inoculation Training on Ecuadorian Firefighters’ Occupational Stress. Iran J War Public Health 2025; 17 (4) :335-342
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1- Faculty of Health Sciences, Technical University of Ambato, Ambato, Ecuador
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Indoamérica Technological University Ambato, Ecuador
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Indoamérica Technological University Ambato, Ecuador
Abstract (777 Views)
Aims: Stress inoculation training, a cognitive-behavioral intervention, has demonstrated efficacy in stress reduction among high-risk professions; however, evidence in Latin America remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stress inoculation training in reducing occupational stress, enhancing resilience, and improving job satisfaction and well-being among operational personnel of the Ambato Fire Department in Ecuador.
Materials & Methods: This 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 the stress inoculation training group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The stress inoculation training group underwent eight sessions (30 minutes each, twice weekly) that included relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills rehearsal. Stress was assessed using the ILO-WHO Work Stress Scale, resilience was measured with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, job satisfaction was evaluated with the Job Satisfaction Survey, and well-being was assessed with the OWQ. Physiological biomarkers (salivary cortisol and resting heart rate) were also measured.
Findings: The stress inoculation training group showed a significant reduction in occupational stress scores (from 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: Stress inoculation training is effective in reducing occupational stress and improving resilience, job satisfaction, and overall well-being among firefighters in Ecuador.
Materials & Methods: This 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 the stress inoculation training group (n=30) or the control group (n=30). The stress inoculation training group underwent eight sessions (30 minutes each, twice weekly) that included relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and coping skills rehearsal. Stress was assessed using the ILO-WHO Work Stress Scale, resilience was measured with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, job satisfaction was evaluated with the Job Satisfaction Survey, and well-being was assessed with the OWQ. Physiological biomarkers (salivary cortisol and resting heart rate) were also measured.
Findings: The stress inoculation training group showed a significant reduction in occupational stress scores (from 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: Stress inoculation training is effective in reducing occupational stress and improving resilience, job satisfaction, and overall well-being among firefighters in Ecuador.
Keywords:
Firefighters [MeSH], Occupational Stress [MeSH], Resilience [MeSH], Job Satisfaction [MeSH], Ecuador [MeSH]
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