Lifestyle consequences for rescue workers in public health emergencies: a cross-sectional study from china.

Smoking behavior increased among rescue workers following the public health emergency outbreak.

• 13.98% of smokers reported increased smoking post-outbreak
• Cross-sectional online survey conducted February 23 to March 9, 2020 among rescue workers from a designated unit in China
• 1,052 valid responses were collected using a retrospective design comparing pre- and post-outbreak periods

Alcohol consumption increased among rescue workers following the public health emergency outbreak.

• 6.02% of drinkers reported increased alcohol consumption post-outbreak
• Data collected from 1,052 rescue workers during the early COVID-19 outbreak period
• Participants self-reported lifestyle behaviors for both pre- and post-outbreak periods

Mobile phone use increased significantly among rescue workers after the outbreak.

• Median mobile phone use rose from 2 to 3 hours per day post-outbreak
• This represents a 50% increase in median daily mobile phone use
• Change was assessed using paired comparisons between pre- and post-outbreak self-reported data

Physical inactivity increased substantially among rescue workers following the outbreak.

• Inactivity rose from 6.56% to 17.68% post-outbreak
• This represents approximately a 2.7-fold increase in the proportion of physically inactive rescue workers
• Physical activity was assessed as part of a broader lifestyle behavior survey comparing pre- and post-outbreak periods

Nocturnal awakenings increased and work hours declined among rescue workers following the outbreak.

• Sleep quality deteriorated as indicated by increased nocturnal awakenings post-outbreak
• Work hours also declined post-outbreak
• These changes were assessed alongside other lifestyle behaviors using retrospective self-report among 1,052 rescue workers

Mild-to-severe anxiety and depression were prevalent among rescue workers during the public health emergency.

• Mild-to-severe anxiety prevalence was 9.98%
• Mild-to-severe depression prevalence was 10.17%
• Mental health was assessed using the PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) scales
• Sample consisted of 1,052 rescue workers surveyed during the early COVID-19 outbreak in China

Restrictive living environments were identified as a factor amplifying unhealthy lifestyle changes and mental health risks among rescue workers.

• Statistical analyses included stratification by living status and age group
• Multivariable regression models were used to identify key modifiable risk factors associated with psychological distress
• Correlation analysis was conducted among lifestyle behavior variables and mental health outcomes