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Cited by 85Sleep and Work-Related FatigueWorkplace Health and Well-beingOccupational Health and Burnout

Caring for the country: fatigue, sleep and mental health in Australian rural paramedic shiftworkers

Courtney, James A., Francis, Andrew J. P., Paxton, Susan J.·2013·Journal of Community Health
DOI 10.1007/s10900-012-9599-z
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Abstract

This study investigated sleep quality, fatigue, mental health and physical activity in rural paramedic shiftworkers. Although limited, previous studies have associated high fatigue levels and poorer health in this sector with shiftwork rostering and occupational demands. A modified version of the Standard Shiftwork Index was completed by 150 paramedics (117 male and 31 females) from rural Victoria. Single sample t tests found significantly higher levels of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress, and significantly poorer sleep quality than reference samples. Paramedics also reported less physical activity than community samples. By regression analysis, sleep quality explained the greatest amount of variance in fatigue scores, followed by depression and age. No gender differences in levels of depression or fatigue were found. Consistent with an earlier study of metropolitan paramedics based on the same methodology, findings suggest rural ambulance paramedic shiftworkers are at particular risk for increased levels of fatigue and depression (regardless of age or gender) and poor quality sleep. Organisational intervention was suggested.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s10900-012-9599-z

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43 of 43 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Paramedics with poor sleep quality were particularly at risk of increased levels of fatigue, most notably in the rural population.

    “paramedics with poor sleep quality were particularly at risk of increased levels of fatigue, most notably in the rural population (Courtney et al., 2013).”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Courtney et al., 2013

  • Low levels of physical activity were reported by paramedics, attributed to a lifestyle that limits the opportunity for regular exercise and a commitment to team-oriented sporting activities.

    “Similarly, Courtney et al. (2013) highlighted that low levels of physical activity were reported by paramedics. They attributed these to the lifestyle that limits the opportunity for regular exercise and a commitment to team-oriented sporting activities (Courtney et al., 2013).”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Courtney et al., 2013

  • Rates of depression and anxiety amongst paramedics are statistically significant, along with rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disorders.

    “Rates of depression and anxiety amongst paramedics are reported as statistically significant, along with rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sleep disorders (Courtney et al., 2013).”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Courtney et al., 2013

  • The inherent unpredictability of these occupations may result in peak demand, affecting opportunities for breaks and resulting in end-of-shift overtime, further compounding the existing challenges associated with shift work.

    “The inherent unpredictability of these occupations, which may result in peak demand, affecting opportunities for breaks and resulting in end of shift overtime further compounds the existing challenges associated with shift work (Courtney et al., 2013; Kirby et al., 2016).”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Courtney et al., 2013

  • No significant differences in depression were found between rural paramedics and reference group.

    “No significant differences in depression were found.”

    From Understanding the Occupational Factors that Influence Paramedic Health and Wellbeing (2024) · cites this paper as Courtney, J., Francis, A. & Paxton, S. 2013

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Authors
Courtney, J. A., Francis, A. J. P., & Paxton, S. J.
Affiliations
  • La Trobe University (AU)
  • RMIT University (AU)
Corresponding author
Francis, Andrew J. P.
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Community Health
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2012-07-29
Volume
38
Issue
1
Pages
178-186
ISSN
  • 0094-5145 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-3610
DOI
10.1007/s10900-012-9599-z
OpenAlex
W2023428211
Cited by
85
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 8 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 4 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 1 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 3
FWCI
3.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Community Health (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RMIT Research Repository (RMIT University Library) (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
Keywords
paramedics, shift work, fatigue, sleep quality, mental health, depression, anxiety, occupational stress, physical activity, rural health workforce, ambulance paramedics, gender differences, organizational interventions
MeSH terms
Age Factors, Allied Health Personnel, Depression, Fatigue, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Motor Activity, Sleep Deprivation, Victoria, Work Schedule Tolerance, Rural Health Services

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