Impact of stress and stress mindset on prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors among first responders

BACKGROUND: Psychological stress is recognized as an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite its potential significance, few to no studies have evaluated the association between stress, stress mindset, and CVD risk factors among rural first responders. The objectives of this study were to identify relationships between general stress, stress mindset, and CVD risk factors. METHODS: The study sample (n = 148) included those 18 years or older and who currently serve as a first responder, defined as either EMS, firefighter, or law enforcement. Questionnaires captured information on demographics, years of work experience as a first responder, multiple first responder occupations, general stress, stress mindset, and self-reported CVD risk factors. Data were analyzed using regression analyses. RESULTS: Findings suggest that first responders with a stress-is-negative mindset have significantly higher general stress levels (β = 2.20, p = 0.01). Of note, general stress was not a significant predictor of CVD risk factors (AOR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.93, 1.08) included in our study. However, a negative stress mindset was statistically significant predictor of CVD risk factors (AOR = 2.82, 95%CI = 1.29, 6.41), after adjusting for general stress and other potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that stress mindset is an independent predictor of stress and CVD risk factors among rural first responders. These results have the potential to inform educational and organization level interventions targeting stress appraisal for this vulnerable sub population of workers. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-023-16819-w.