An Application of the Health Belief Model to Exercise Behaviors Among Career and Volunteer Firefighters

Background: Firefighters experience sudden on-duty tasks that challenge the cardiovascular system, and with increased prevalence of poor fitness, lead to risk of adverse cardiac events. This study investigated why firefighters may be inactive when occupational performance relies on fitness. Methods: Perceptions of exercise behaviors in career and volunteer firefighters were compared using the Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise (HBSE-E). A MANCOVA investigated differences in model constructs between groups. Results: The survey was completed by 138 participants. There were significantly higher perceived severity (p = 0.009) and self-efficacy levels (p < 0.001) in career firefighters, while volunteer firefighters had significantly higher objective (p < 0.001) and subjective barriers (p = 0.020). Conclusions: Utilizing the HBMS-E may help departments know what barriers they need to focus on when developing a wellness initiative.