Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Focus groups to inform a nutrition intervention for career firefighters

2018; Volume: 1; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.15761/cnm.1000108

2631-441X

Carolyn M. Muegge, Vanessa M. Kleinschmidt, Kara A. Johnson, Mercedes Sotos‐Prieto, Steven Moffatt, Elizabeth A. Beverly, Μαρία Παυλή Κορρέ, Stefanos N. Kales,

Nutrition and Health in Aging

Background: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease, cancer and ill health among firefighters.Poor diet and firehouse traditions likely contribute to this problem.Worksite health promotion programs could positively affect firefighter health.Objective: To assess firefighter and firefighter partner perceptions of food, nutrition behavior and culture to inform the Feeding America's Bravest: Survival Mediterranean Style, a Diet-Based Intervention to change Firefighters' Eating Habits.Materials and methods: Focus group sessions (2 firefighter, n=15 and 2 partner, n=17) were conducted to assess attitudes regarding food and nutrition behaviors.A purposeful sampling process was used to ensure diversity in sex, geographic distribution, and length of service.Focus group transcripts were analyzed using content and thematic procedures with triangulation by content experts from different disciplines.Results: Firefighter themes were (1) firehouse eating behaviors are rich in structure and tradition, (2) perceived motivators and challenges to dietary change, and (3) preferences for learning platforms and incentives.Partner themes were (4) eating behaviors at home are loosely structured and driven by family food preferences, (5) partners' perceived motivators and challenges to dietary change, and (6) partners' preferences for learning platforms and incentives. Conclusions:This study provides evidence that the design of fire service nutrition interventions should consider the cultural expectations of the fire service and firefighter work and family schedules.Educational resources need to target affordable and convenient meal planning.