Comparison of measured and self-reported anthropometric information among firefighters: implications and applications

Abstract

This study evaluated the accuracy of self-reported body weight and height compared to measured values among firefighters and identified factors associated with reporting error. A total of 863 male and 88 female firefighters in four US regions participated in the study. The results showed that both men and women underestimated their body weight ( − 0.4 ± 4.1, − 1.1 ± 3.6 kg) and overestimated their height (29 ± 18 , 17 ± 16 mm). Women underestimated more than men on weight (p = 0.022) and men overestimated more than women on height (p < 0.001). Reporting errors on weight were increased with overweight status (p < 0.001) and were disproportionate among subgroups. About 27% men and 24% women had reporting errors on weight greater than ± 2.2 kg, and 59% men and 28% women had reporting errors on height greater than 25 mm.

Practitioner Summary: This study along with literature revealed that the self-reported approach is not a sustainable option for anthropometric surveys, even for gathering data from physically active professional groups, such as firefighters, who presumably are knowledgeable of their body dimensions. Self-reported anthropometric information is undependable in important population subgroups.

Keywords::

• weight
• height
• self-reported
• firefighter
• anthropometry
• obesity

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Bradley Newbraugh, John Powers, Rick Current, Joyce Zwiener, Jinhua Guan, Alfred Amendola and Gene Hill for their tireless support of this project, including transporting, installing and calibrating the scanning equipment for all four geographic sites, sustaining logistical support and providing administrative upkeep. The authors also thank Gordon Routley, Michael Wilbur and Ron Siarnicki for their insightful direction and vital selection of measurement sites. Many fire station managers provided unfailing participant recruitment and scheduling of participants as well as excellent facilities in support of this endeavour: Andy Johnston, Chief Michael Clemens and Chief Kevin Frazier of the Montgomery Fire Department in Rockville, Maryland; Chief Mike Smith and Captain Mike Gafney of the Phoenix Fire Department in Phoenix, Arizona; Chief Henry Costo and Captain Jesse Wilson of the Philadelphia Fire Department; Captain Homer Robertson and Chief Mark Marshall of the Fort Worth Fire Department; Firefighter Mary Ann Hubbard of the Austin Fire Department; and Chief Brooke Hildreth of the San Antonio Fire Department. Thanks also go to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Fire Apparatus Manufacturers Association (FAMA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for their support and insightful suggestions in project planning and execution.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Mention of company names or products does not imply an endorsement from NIOSH.