SO SHEENA MARIE O BAUTISTA SO EPIPHANY JANE S DIWAG ENHANCING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF WOMEN FIREFIGHTERS IN THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
Type
Thesis
Authors
Category
Thesis
[ Browse Items ]
Publication Year
2024
Publisher
NFTI Library, Philippines
URL
[ private ]
Volume
1
Pages
131
Subject
Fire Officers Advance Course
Abstract
ABSTRACT
As the number of women firefighters in the Bureau of Fire Protection increases,
there is an important need to reevaluate existing health and wellness programs
traditionally designed with male firefighters in mind. This action research aims to
identify the unique health challenges that female firefighters encounter and assess the
effectiveness of the current programs in addressing these issues. The study is guided by
the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, which examines the relationship between
the demands placed on female firefighters and the resources available to support their
well-being.
A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating quantitative data and
qualitative insights. A survey was administered to 161 female firefighters from various
regions across the Philippines, using closed-ended and open-ended questions to
understand the participants’ experiences thoroughly. The findings show that female
firefighters confront unique health concerns, such as reproductive health issues, mental
health challenges like anxiety and depression, and stress-related disorders. These
difficulties are worsened by the constraints of working in a male-dominated
environment where gender-specific support networks are often insufficient.
The study found significant gaps in the BFP’s current health and wellness
programs, particularly in areas of reproductive health, mental health support, and stress
management. To address these gaps, the research recommends developing specialized
health and wellness programs, such as regular tests for breast and cervical cancer, and
comprehensive mental health services. These initiatives should be overseen by the
BFP’s Health Service Unit at the National Headquarters and integrated into the
organization’s overall wellness strategy.
xi
Keywords. Female Firefighters, Bureau of Fire Protection, Health and Wellness
Programs, Job Demands-Resources Model, Gender-Specific Health Challenges,
Reproductive Health, Mental Health, Workplace Stress, Occupational Health, Fire
Service, Gender Sensitivity, Employee Well-Being.
As the number of women firefighters in the Bureau of Fire Protection increases,
there is an important need to reevaluate existing health and wellness programs
traditionally designed with male firefighters in mind. This action research aims to
identify the unique health challenges that female firefighters encounter and assess the
effectiveness of the current programs in addressing these issues. The study is guided by
the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, which examines the relationship between
the demands placed on female firefighters and the resources available to support their
well-being.
A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating quantitative data and
qualitative insights. A survey was administered to 161 female firefighters from various
regions across the Philippines, using closed-ended and open-ended questions to
understand the participants’ experiences thoroughly. The findings show that female
firefighters confront unique health concerns, such as reproductive health issues, mental
health challenges like anxiety and depression, and stress-related disorders. These
difficulties are worsened by the constraints of working in a male-dominated
environment where gender-specific support networks are often insufficient.
The study found significant gaps in the BFP’s current health and wellness
programs, particularly in areas of reproductive health, mental health support, and stress
management. To address these gaps, the research recommends developing specialized
health and wellness programs, such as regular tests for breast and cervical cancer, and
comprehensive mental health services. These initiatives should be overseen by the
BFP’s Health Service Unit at the National Headquarters and integrated into the
organization’s overall wellness strategy.
xi
Keywords. Female Firefighters, Bureau of Fire Protection, Health and Wellness
Programs, Job Demands-Resources Model, Gender-Specific Health Challenges,
Reproductive Health, Mental Health, Workplace Stress, Occupational Health, Fire
Service, Gender Sensitivity, Employee Well-Being.
Number of Copies
1
