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Predictors of Hearing Protection Behavior Among Firefighters in the United States

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Abstract

Background

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major occupational health problem that can be prevented through the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs).

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify significant factors related to firefighters’ use of HPDs.

Methods

A total of 404 firefighters from 35 fire departments in multiple states in the United States participated in an Internet-based survey from March 2010 to May 2011.

Results

Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis suggested that several modifying and cognitive–perceptual factors were significantly related to HPD use, including noise exposure, interpersonal influences, organizational support, perceived barriers to HPD use, and perceived susceptibility to hearing loss. The multiple regression model explained 56% (R 2 = .56, adjusted R 2 = .54) of the variance in firefighters’ use of HPDs (F 13, 372 = 35.65, p < .001).

Conclusions

Future research should focus on incorporating these significant predictors into effective behavioral interventions designed to promote the use of HPDs in this population.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergnecy Management Administration Assistance to Firefighters Grant (Grant number: EMW-2007-FP-00785, Principal Investigator (PI): Hong). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergnecy Management Administration. The authors are thankful for study participants from fire departments in California, Illinois, and Indiana in the United States. The authors also acknowledge Lauren Fiola, a graduate student research assistant, for her assistance with preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing, University of California–San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    OiSaeng Hong & Dal Lae Chin

  2. School of Nursing, University of Michigan and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    David L. Ronis

  3. Occupational and Environmental Health Nursing Program, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 2 Koret Way, Room N 531D, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0608, USA

    OiSaeng Hong

Authors
  1. OiSaeng Hong
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  2. Dal Lae Chin
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  3. David L. Ronis
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Correspondence to OiSaeng Hong.

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Hong, O., Chin, D.L. & Ronis, D.L. Predictors of Hearing Protection Behavior Among Firefighters in the United States. Int.J. Behav. Med. 20, 121–130 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-011-9207-0

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