Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Mental health of firefighters
Abstract
Firefighting is a career characterized by significant physical effort and continuous psychological challenges. This study qualitatively examines a link between Body Mass Index (BMI) and mental health among firefighters, emphasizing how body composition may affect psychological stability and job efficiency. A total of 37 firefighters, with an average of 9 years of experience, took part in a questionnaire exploring the connection between BMI and workplace mental well-being. Findings revealed that 65% of the participants were overweight or obese, 27% reported mental or emotional difficulties, and 19% experienced anxiety or depression symptoms in the previous year. Sleep problems were frequent, with 38% mentioning poor or insufficient rest, along with recurring emotional fatigue and mood changes. Although most participants remained calm during emergencies, hidden stress and unhealthy coping behaviors, such as smoking, were noted. Implementing supportive strategies can enhance resilience, promote overall wellness, and improve operational readiness, ensuring a healthier and more efficient firefighting workforce.
Integrating Environmental, Economic, and Health Governance: A Conceptual Analysis of Policy Pathways Toward Societal Transformation in the Philippines
Abstract
Modern forms of governance are under pressure in responding to interconnected issues in society, especially to achieve coherence across the environmental, economic, and health fields. The operations of vital policy frameworks in the Philippines, such as RA 9003, RA 7394, and RA 11223, are confined to overlapping but mostly disconnected systems, which limit their synergistic effects on societal change. This study employed a qualitative, theory-based design, with analysis of PRISMA-based documents and narrative literature, policy documents, and institutional reports (2018-2026). It focuses on the interactions among institutional actors and governance mechanisms within sectors, guided by systems and institutional theory. Results indicate that there are governance mechanisms, which are, however, deployed in an uneven manner based on the limitations of institutional capacity and poor integration. The analysis demonstrates that changes in society are products of dynamic processes of governance enabled by institutional alignment and adaptive processes. A comprehensive conceptual framework is put forward to enhance policy coherence and strengthen sustainable development impacts.
