Exploring wearable technology use and importance of health monitoring in the hazardous occupations of first responders and professional drivers

Abstract

Objectives: Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) pose risk to health and safety of professionals involved with transportation and emergency response. Two distinct occupational groups that encounter HAZMAT events are first responders and professional drivers. Wearable technology is a tool that can assist with monitoring the health of professionals involved in HAZMAT events. The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate the perceptions of first responders and professional drivers on wearable technology and attitudes toward health monitoring. Methods: A survey was administered to first responders (n= 112) and professional drivers (n= 218). Statistical approach included bivariate analysis, latent class analysis, logistic regression analysis, and path analysis for the variables of interest. Results: There were significant differences between the groups in perceptions of the benefits of monitoring certain health indicators. Professional drivers were more likely to have a history of wearable technology use compared to first responders (OR= 10.1; CI 4.42,22.9), reported greater exposure to HAZMAT (OR= 4.32; CI 2.24-8.32), and were more willing to have their health data monitored by someone other than themselves (OR= 9.27; CI 3.67, 23.4). Multinomial regression model revealed that occupation was not significant predictor of class preference for acceptance of monitoring specific health indicators. Conclusions: Occupation appeared to be important but further analysis uncovered characteristics of individuals within the occupations were more salient to the use of wearable technology. HAZMAT exposure, someone else monitoring health data, and experience with wearable technology use were important factors found for perceptions toward benefits of health monitoring with wearable technology.