Firefighter well-being in the Baltics: a comparative study of physical activity, psychosocial risks, and management strategies in Estonian and Latvian fire services
Abstract
Firefighting demands exceptional physical and cognitive capacity in hazardous, unpredictable environments. This comparative study examined firefighter well-being in Estonia and Latvia using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. A mixed-methods approach (2020â2024) included questions from the COPSOQ II questionnaire (N = 400 Estonian firefighters in 2020, N = 408 Estonian firefighters in 2023, and N = 804 Latvian firefighters in 2024) and focus group interviews conducted in Estonia. Rising body mass index (BMI) trends were linked to high job demands, irregular shifts, sleep disruption, physical activity, health behaviours, psychosocial stressors, and constrained recovery. Consistent with the JD-R model, organisational resources (health promotion, supportive supervision, scheduling flexibility) significantly influenced well-being and health behaviours across both countries. Although occupational hazards and risks were comparable, differences in resource allocation and organisational support were decisive for engagement and sustainability. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for fire service leadership to develop targeted health promotion and preventive strategies that enhance firefighter retention and operational effectiveness.