Global prevalence and associated factors of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among firefighters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Lack of sleep can affect the health and performance of firefighters. This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality among firefighters and reported associated factors. Four academic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) were systematically searched from January 1, 2000 to January 24, 2022. These databases were selected as they are known to index studies in this field. The search al-gorithm included two groups of keywords and all possible combinations of these words. The first group included keywords related to sleep and the second group keywords related to the fire-fighting profession. The relevant Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate study quality. Data from eligible studies were included in a meta-analysis. In total, 47 articles informed this review. The pooled prevalence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality in firefighters were determined as 30.49% (95% CI [25.90, 35.06]) and 51.43% (95% CI [42.76, 60.10]), respec-tively. The results of a subgroup analysis showed that individuals in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) had a higher prevalence of sleep disorders than those in high-income coun-tries (HICs) but HICs had a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality than LMICs. Various factors, including shift work, mental health, injuries and pain, and body mass index were associated with sleep health. The findings of this review highlight the need for sleep health promotion programs in firefighters.

Automated summary

Lack of sleep can impact the health and performance of firefighters. A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the global prevalence of sleep disorders among firefighters is 30.49%, and the prevalence of poor sleep quality is 51.43%. Various factors such as shift work, mental health, injuries and pain, and body mass index are associated with sleep health in firefighters.