Volume 18, Issue 2 (5-2026)
jorar 2026, 18(2): 92-100 |
Back to browse issues page
Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:
Khorram M, Givehchi S, Mehrabadi G, Hosseini S L, Nebton E. Occupational Stress and Its Determinants among Red Crescent Society Rescuers in Markazi Province, Iran. jorar 2026; 18 (2) :92-100
URL: http://jorar.ir/article-1-1079-en.html
URL: http://jorar.ir/article-1-1079-en.html
Associate Professor, Faculty of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (220 Views)
INTRODUCTION: Roadside rescuers are exposed to high levels of occupational stress due to the critical nature of their missions and their continual exposure to traumatic events. However, empirical evidence regarding the status of occupational stress among this workforce in Iran—particularly at the provincial level—remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of occupational stress, identify its dominant dimensions, and examine the role of socio-demographic variables in predicting occupational stress among Red Crescent Society (RCS) rescuers in Markazi province.
METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive–correlational study was conducted on 327 rescuers working in road-based rescue stations in Markazi province in 2025. Participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Philip L. Rice Occupational Stress Questionnaire (57 items across three dimensions: interpersonal relations, physical working conditions, and job interests) and a demographic information form. Instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.89). Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.
FINDINGS: The mean total occupational stress score was 187.4 ± 26.8 out of 285 (65.7%), which was classified as high based on quartile distribution. Among the dimensions, interpersonal relations (92.1±14.5) and physical working conditions (71.8 ± 12.1) were at a high level, while job interests (27.8±4.2) were at a moderate level. Also, married rescuers experienced significantly higher stress than single participants (192.5 ± 24.1 vs. 170.3 ± 28.9, p<0.001). In addition, participants with more than 20 years of work experience reported significantly higher stress levels compared with other groups (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that marital status (β=0.35) and work experience (β=0.28) together explained 24% of the variance in occupational stress (R² = 0.24, p<0.001)
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the high level of occupational stress among RCS rescuers in Markazi province represents a significant occupational health challenge. Marital status and longer work experience were identified as key factors associated with increased occupational stress. Accordingly, the design and implementation of targeted psychological interventions—particularly for married and highly experienced rescuers—including stress management training, family-centered counseling services, and shift schedule optimization, may help reduce long-term stress consequences and improve the performance and sustainability of these operational personnel.
METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive–correlational study was conducted on 327 rescuers working in road-based rescue stations in Markazi province in 2025. Participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the standardized Philip L. Rice Occupational Stress Questionnaire (57 items across three dimensions: interpersonal relations, physical working conditions, and job interests) and a demographic information form. Instrument reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.89). Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.
FINDINGS: The mean total occupational stress score was 187.4 ± 26.8 out of 285 (65.7%), which was classified as high based on quartile distribution. Among the dimensions, interpersonal relations (92.1±14.5) and physical working conditions (71.8 ± 12.1) were at a high level, while job interests (27.8±4.2) were at a moderate level. Also, married rescuers experienced significantly higher stress than single participants (192.5 ± 24.1 vs. 170.3 ± 28.9, p<0.001). In addition, participants with more than 20 years of work experience reported significantly higher stress levels compared with other groups (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that marital status (β=0.35) and work experience (β=0.28) together explained 24% of the variance in occupational stress (R² = 0.24, p<0.001)
CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the high level of occupational stress among RCS rescuers in Markazi province represents a significant occupational health challenge. Marital status and longer work experience were identified as key factors associated with increased occupational stress. Accordingly, the design and implementation of targeted psychological interventions—particularly for married and highly experienced rescuers—including stress management training, family-centered counseling services, and shift schedule optimization, may help reduce long-term stress consequences and improve the performance and sustainability of these operational personnel.
Article Type: Research article |
Subject:
Other matters related to crisis, disasters and rescue & relief
References
1. Khatoni M, Mollahasan M, Khoeniha S. Job stress and its related factors in accountant employees of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. ioh 2011;8(2):18-0
2. McKoy KD. The impact of stress on first responders: A phenomenological study [dissertation]. Minneapolis (MN): Capella University; 2010.
3. Schwartz KD, Redekop M, Duffy H, Harris D, Stelnicki A, McElheran M. Perceptions of the impact of operational stress in emergency first responder families: A qualitative analysis. Family Relations. 2026;75(1):499-516. [DOI:10.1111/fare.70103]
4. Luthans F, Youssef CM, Avolio BJ. Psychological capital: Developing the human competitive edge. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2006. [DOI:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195187526.001.0001]
5. Gill SK, Lauren R KM. A systematic review of occupational stress and burnout in emergency medical technician and paramedic populations and associated consequences. Int J Qual Health Care. 2025;37(2): mzaf033. [DOI:10.1093/intqhc/mzaf033]
6. Galindo-Herrera R, Pabón-Carrasco M, Romero-Castillo R, Garrido-Bueno M. Biopsychosocial and occupational health of emergency healthcare professionals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nurs Rep. 2025;15(12):430. [DOI:10.3390/nursrep15120430]
7. Andiyana E, Mutiarani DP, Haryoko AE, Lumbantobing IP. Work-life balance in the automotive industry: The effects of job stress, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. Golden Ratio of Human Resource Management. 2026;6(2):427-42. [DOI:10.52970/grhrm.v6i2.2067]
8. Frazer H, Hansen C, Searle A, Lawrence-Wood E, Van Hooff M. Exploration of potential indicators of burnout, psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder among Australian female first responders. Psychiatry Research. 2022;316:114771. [DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114771]
9. Cogan N, Craig A, Milligan L, McCluskey R, Burns T, Ptak W, et al. “I've got no PPE to protect my mind”: Understanding the needs and experiences of first responders exposed to trauma in the workplace. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2024;15(1):2395113. [DOI:10.1080/20008066.2024.2395113]
10. Petrie K, Milligan-Saville J, Gayed A, Deady M, Phelps A, Dell L, et al. Prevalence of PTSD and common mental disorders among ambulance personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2018;53(9):897–909. [DOI:10.1007/s00127-018-1539-5]
11. Marvin G, Schram B, Orr R, Canetti EF. Occupation-induced fatigue and impacts on emergency first responders: A systematic review. J Environ Res Public Health.2023;20(22):7055 [DOI:10.3390/ijerph20227055]
12. Huang G, Lee TY, Banda KJ, Pien LC, Jen HJ, Chen R, Liu D, Hsiao ST, Chou KR. Prevalence of sleep disorders among first responders for medical emergencies: A meta-analysis. Journal of Global Health. 2022;12:04092. [DOI:10.7189/jogh.12.04092]
13. Hatami M. [The study of effective factors on stress in personnel and non-personnel maternal (Persian)]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth Congress on Stress; Tehran, Iran: Iran University of Medical Sciences. 1999
14. Rice PL. Stress and health. Pacific Grove (CA): Brooks/Cole Publishing; 1999.
15. Sharp ML, Solomon N, Harrison V, Gribble R, Cramm H, Pike G, Fear NT. The mental health and wellbeing of spouses, partners and children of emergency responders: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2022;17(6):e0269659. [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0269659]
16. Tham TL, Alfes K, Holland P, Thynne L, Vieceli J. Extreme work in extraordinary times: the impact of COVID-stress on the resilience and burnout of frontline paramedic workers – the importance of perceived organizational support. Int J Hum Resour Manag. 2024;35(10):1739–1762. [DOI:10.1080/09585192.2023.2237871]
17. Zhong X, Yan Y. A study on the current mental health status and influencing factors of firefighters in China. In: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Public Relations and Social Sciences (ICPRSS 2024). Paris: Atlantis Press; 2024:52-61. [DOI:10.2991/978-2-38476-305-4_9]
18. Rashidi M A, Pournajaf A, Kazemy M, Kaikhavani S. [Evaluating General Health Status using Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire among the Staff of Ilam University of Medical Sciences in 2015 (Persian)]. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2018; 26 (3) :16-26 [DOI:10.29252/sjimu.26.3.16]
19. Mollaahmadi G, Karimi M, Haghani S, Gharacheh M. The relationship between job stress and job burnout among primary health care workers (Behvarz) at Saveh University of Medical Sciences. Iran J Nurs. 2023; 36 (141):26-39 [DOI:10.32598/ijn.36.141.1773.8]
20. Golshiri P, Pourabdian S, Najimi A, Zadeh HM, Hasheminia J. Job stress and its relationship with the level of secretory IgA in saliva: a comparison between nurses working in emergency wards and hospital clerks. J Pak Med Assoc. 2012;62(3 Suppl 2):S26-30.
21. Samadirad B, Nazari J, Hasirchi N, Baybordi F. Study of occupational stress-causing factors in staff of different units of legal medicine centers in the northwest provinces of Iran. J Health Saf Work. 2020;10(3):189-200
22. Bromandan F, Sarlak M, Moogali A, Talaghani GH. [Design and testing of a stress-free work model in the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting organization using a mixed-methods approach (Persian)]. Public Administration Perspective. 2023;14(1):161-185. [DOI:10.48308/jpap.2023.103565]
23. Tajnia S, Iranmanesh S, Asadi N, McDermott M. Investigating the effect of inquiry-based stress reduction on mortality awareness and interpersonal problems among intensive among ICU nurses. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):106. [DOI:10.1186/s12888-022-03882-7]
24. Meyer C, Chiapponi C, von Kaufmann F, Kanz KG, Hinzmann D. Occupational stress profiles of prehospital and clinical staff in emergency medicine-a cross-sectional baseline study. Frontiers in Public Health. 2024;12:1480643 [DOI:10.3389/fpubh.2024.148 06 43]
25. Hu H, Chang S, Tian G, Li Z, Chang L, Zhang J, Cheng C, Zhang H, Cui P. The impact of perceived stress on job satisfaction among nurse managers: A moderated mediation model of job burnout and psychological capital. BMC Nursing. 2025;24(1):953. [DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03607-7]
26. Wang H, Xiao Y, Yao H, Wen Y, Deng M, Yang W, Mao X. Non-pharmacological interventions for psychological stress reactions in disaster nursing rescue workers: A scoping review. BMC Nursing. 2025;24(1):941. [DOI:10.1186/s12912-025-03559-y]
27. Mao X, Suo Y, Wei X, Luo Y. Resilience enhancement interventions for disaster rescue workers: A systematic review. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. 2025;33(1):91. [DOI:10.1186/s13049-025-01397-0]
28. Hargie O. Skilled interpersonal communication: Research, theory and practice. London: Routledge; 2021 [DOI:10.4324/9781003182269]
Send email to the article author
| Rights and permissions | |
 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
