Occupational Demands Research Articles

Managing emotions and occupational demands: A phenomenological exploration of the experiences of child exploitation support workers

Abstract Protecting children from criminal and sexual exploitation is a priority for safeguarding teams across the globe. Supporting children who are at risk of exploitation is a demanding role with high staff turnover. Experiences of third-sector child exploitation support workers, commissioned to deliver interventions to safeguard children from exploitation, have been neglected. This study presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews of eight child exploitation support workers employed by a service in England. Three experiential group themes were developed that captured the emotional and occupational complexities of their experiences performing their role. ‘Costs and Rewards of Emotional Labour’ depicted how emotions were managed to meet the requirements of the role. ‘Navigating Autonomy: The Double-Edged Sword of Empowerment and Loneliness’ highlighted unique perceptions of autonomous working. ‘“We are in really vulnerable situations at times”: Exploring Perceptions of Risk’ demonstrated how, collectively, participants felt vulnerable to risks when carrying out their role. The study provides insight that these third-sector employees face similar challenges as the regulated workforce and that it is crucial that policymakers and senior managers develop safety and system improvements to increase employees’ perceived and actual safety and well-being.

Characterization of the cardiac cycle in Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cadets.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cadets experience high volumes of potentially psychologically traumatic events, suggesting a need of normal cardiac cycle interval data on the cadets for comparison. We characterize the cardiac cycle of incoming RCMP cadets starting the 26-week training program. The cadets collected their cardiac data using the LLA Recordis™ device. Male RCMP cadets had higher (p<0.05) myocardial and diastolic performance indices, aortic valve open to aortic twist time, and isovolumic relaxation time than female RCMP cadets. Monitoring the cardiac cycle intervals in RCMP cadets can provide insights to changes in their heart function from their occupational demands.

A data-driven framework for occupancy optimisation strategies towards energy demand reduction in non-domestic buildings

Proactive strategies for data-driven operational schedules based on monitored occupancy patters can enable energy demand reduction and optimal resource utilisation. A replicable framework that enables strategic closure of specific thermal zones is introduced and design and operational considerations are discussed. The potential of the framework is illustrated through a case study building, where up to 6% annual energy savings were estimated, highlighting the effectiveness of zone closures. Further findings indicated that total energy savings from the simultaneous closure of multiple zones were marginally larger compared to savings from closing off zones individually, depending on zone capacity and use. Therefore, balanced considerations should take place prior to selecting which zones to close off, also taking into account user acceptability, capacity of systems and controls as well as the internal layout of the building. The research enhances the understanding of the relationship between occupancy and energy demand, while offering recommendations for more energy efficient and sustainable building design and operations that require minimal capital cost. Practical Application This paper provides design and operational considerations based on a robust and replicable framework for energy savings by optimising operational building schedules based on monitored occupancy patterns. This allows a proactive implementation of data-driven strategies that maximise resource utilisation, such as closure of specific zones during periods of low occupancy, without requiring any physical intervention. The findings on a case study building demonstrate that annual energy savings can be achieved, underscoring the potential for substantial cost reductions and improved energy efficiency. Applications can also extend to optimising energy demand for energy flexibility.

Feedback–feedforward signal control with exogenous demand estimation in congested urban road networks

To cope with uncertain traffic patterns and traffic models, traffic-responsive signal control strategies in the literature are designed to be robust to these uncertainties. These robust strategies still require sensing infrastructure to implement traffic-responsiveness. In this paper, we take a novel perspective and show that it is possible to use the already necessary sensing infrastructure to estimate the uncertain quantities in real time. Specifically, resorting to the store-and-forward model, we design a novel network-wide traffic-responsive strategy that estimates the occupancy and exogenous demand in each link, i.e., entering (exiting) vehicle flows at the origins (destinations) of the network or within links, in real time. Borrowing from optimal control theory, we design an optimal linear quadratic control scheme, consisting of a linear feedback term, of the occupancy of the road links, and a feedforward component, which accounts for the varying exogenous vehicle load on the network. Thereby, the resulting control scheme is a simple feedback–feedforward controller, which is fed with occupancy and exogenous demand estimates, and is suitable for real-time implementation. Numerical simulations for the urban traffic network of Chania, Greece, show that, for realistic surges in the exogenous demand, the proposed solution significantly outperforms tried-and-tested solutions that ignore the exogenous demand.

Hydration Considerations to Improve the Physical Performance and Health of Firefighters.

Background/Objectives: Firefighters are exposed to a high level of stress as they often perform physically challenging work in hazardous environments while responsible for rescuing and keeping those around them safe. To add to this stress, they are also required to work in heavy, unbreathable personal protective equipment which promotes dehydration. These occupational demands paired with dehydration may lead to increased core temperatures, cardiac strain, and overall risk for sudden cardiac events. Thus, it is important to include hydration assessments and determine fluid needs when firefighters are on shift to ensure their personal safety as well as the safety of those around them by optimizing physical performance by maintaining adequate hydration. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to identify markers of hydration, classifications of hydration status, current hydration recommendations, and hydration interventions that may contribute to the overall clarity of hydration protocols that may optimize performance and health of firefighters. In addition, the impact of common medications, exercise training, and health conditions on hydration status related to firefighters will be discussed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to discuss the purpose statements. Results: Hydration recommendations for firefighters include (1) assessing hydration status with multiple measurements including body mass, urine specific gravity and thirst sensation, and (2) following general hydration recommendations on rest days and exercise hydration protocols during firefighting activities which may be altered according to hydration status measurements. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials in firefighters are needed to determine the impact of maintaining adequate hydration on health markers.

Lightning Casualties of Vulnerable Caterpillar Fungus Collectors on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

Abstract Lightning has killed and injured many people in recent years in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau area of China when they were collecting a rare product used for medical applications. The fungus that grows on dead caterpillars at high altitudes in this region demands a high price when sold, so it attracts collectors that unfortunately become at risk from lightning during this process. A total of 12 lightning-related events during 2004–22 resulted in 29 deaths and 53 injuries. All cases occurred at high elevations in rugged terrain with no available lightning-safe structures or vehicles. The fungus collection occurred during the daytime hours in late spring and early summer, which is also when lightning is frequent. Maps of lightning for the cases and information gained from the Chinese-language reports are summarized. It is apparent that this is a unique high-risk, high-reward occupation that is similar in terms of exposure to other situations around the world that result in lightning deaths and injuries. Significance Statement Lightning deaths and injuries often occur when people push the limits of safety due to occupational or recreational demands. Most of these decisions are on short time scales such as while tending agricultural fields, working on roofs, running a competitive race, or walking home from school when a thunderstorm is approaching. In the scenario presented here, groups of people with few income alternatives spend weeks or months in mountainous regions where lightning is common, but safety is elusive. This situation is an unusual version of high lightning risk occurring while pursuing a high reward.

Occupational stressors experienced by healthcare professionals in the course of the COVID-19 crisis.

The novel coronavirus has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, exposing healthcare professionals (HCPs) to work-related stressors to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to assess the occupational stress of HCPs in Lagos State, Nigeria, using a qualitative approach. The study involved nine HCPs from various departments, including doctors, nurses, and medical laboratory technicians. The main causes of stress were workload, policy changes, and extended use of personal protective gear. The study found high levels of occupational stress among HCPs, with workload being the main cause. The impact of the disease outbreak crisis on HCPs' lives and work demands was observed, with occupational demands categorized into safety risk at work and public perceptions. Employers and unions must respond to HCPs' needs for workplace protection and appropriate help to address stressors.

Advanced co-simulation framework for assessing the interplay between occupant behaviors and demand flexibility in commercial buildings

With buildings contributing significantly to electricity usage, enabling demand flexibility becomes a challenge, especially when accounting for occupant comfort. This study introduces an innovative co-simulation framework integrating multiple models: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, building zone load, indoor airflow, supervisory control, and occupant comfort and behavior. Uniquely, this framework allows for a comprehensive and dynamic analysis of building systems and occupant interactions in demand response events. Using this framework, we conducted a case study using a typical small office building model. Specifically, we focused on three areas: (1) the impact of indoor airflow modeling on energy use, occupant comfort, and behaviors forecasting, (2) the impact of occupant behaviors on demand flexibility, and (3) occupant comfort and behaviors under demand response events. Key performance indicators such as energy use, flexibility factor, durations of occupant discomfort and occupant behaviors were analyzed. Our findings indicated variations in energy usage and occupant comfort within demand flexibility events, marked by uncertainty boundaries, with variability in demand shedding up to 57.9%. We concluded that this framework is suitable for analyzing typical commercial buildings and their HVAC systems in terms of demand flexibility potential under the impact of occupant behaviors.

Resource loss a significant issue for healthcare professionals: A case study of an Australian regional hospital.

Healthcare professionals report poor overall well-being, with many citing mental health concerns and stress as contributing factors. Given that healthcare professionals are crucial to the sustainability of the health sector, examining the factors affecting their well-being at work is essential. This paper reports the findings of research conducted in an Australian regional public hospital, utilising the conservation of resources theory to examine the factors (similarities and differences) that influence the resource loss of healthcare professionals (nurses, medical professionals, and allied health professionals). Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 healthcare professionals of varying roles, and participant perspectives revealed two themes contributing to a resource-poor work environment: 'occupational demands and obstacles' and 'barriers to effective teams'. These challenges caused individual resource loss, and as stress arises from resource depletion, each turn of the stress spiral left the individuals and organization with fewer resources to counteract the loss, causing loss spirals to intensify in momentum and scale. The findings of this research emphasise the importance of executing a proactive approach to well-being initiative implementation to support resource investment and assist in creating a more nurturing healthcare work environment that fosters resource creation and sustenance for healthcare professionals.

Community Integration Challenges of Men and Women After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of Lived Experiences Through a Gender Lens.

To investigate community integration (CI) challenges following traumatic brain injury (TBI) through a gender lens. Rehabilitation research-teaching hospital. Adult participants (22 men and 20 women) with a primary diagnosis of mild or moderate-severe TBI, in the acute or chronic stages after injury, were recruited using purposive sampling. Qualitative study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to identify themes of CI challenges. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) lack of a "graduated home plan": difficulty enacting gendered roles and responsibilities at home, (2) "Something that I cannot handle": mismatch between occupational demands and abilities, and (3) "Slipping away": disrupted connections with self and others. Men consistently voiced struggles with and inability to fulfill household tasks, whereas women detailed ways of adapting domestic responsibilities because of postinjury limitations. Productivity challenges resonated with a substantial number of participants, and a gendered pattern was observed: More women reported an inability, whereas more men reported a limited ability to meet occupational demands. Both genders conveyed disruptions in recreational and leisure activities, although women predominantly discussed challenges relating to social activities and men a tendency to avoid social situations because of anticipated stigma and/or shame. Across all themes, a pervasive sense of diminished community contributions and disrupted identities was observed. The incongruence between preinjury roles and responsibilities and postinjury abilities resulted in difficulties across multiple CI domains for the study participants and did not go unnoticed by them. It is important for health care professionals to assist patients in addressing gendered challenges at home, work, and in the social circle for a smoother transition back into the community.

A Guided Comparative Analysis of Fatigue Frameworks in Australasian Ambulance Services

Objective Paramedics work in a complex, unpredictable environment, subject to many external stressors including critically unwell patients, dangerous driving conditions, and prolonged shift work. Paramedic fatigue from these and other occupational demands is well documented. Ambulance services attempt to safeguard paramedics from fatigue using internal policies or procedures – a type of Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMSs). This study reviews ambulance service fatigue frameworks to understand the current situation in fatigue management in paramedicine, and to identify fatigue monitoring tools, strategies, and other components of these frameworks that are designed to protect personnel. Methods This study involved a qualitative document thematic content analysis. All eleven statutory ambulance services across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, represented by the Council of Ambulance Authorities, were contacted and invited to participate. Fatigue frameworks were collated and entered into NVivo where data extraction occurred through three a priori areas (fatigue, fatigue mitigation tools & fatigue management). Results Nine of the eleven ambulance services provided fatigue documentation, with one declining to participate, and one did not respond to invitations. Through thematic analysis and abstraction, seven themes were identified: fatigue definition, consequences of fatigue, sources of fatigue, signs and symptoms of fatigue, fatigue-related incidents, fatigue monitoring tools, and fatigue mitigation. There was also poor alignment between provided frameworks and established FRMSs components. Conclusion Our findings provide an initial insight into existing ambulance service fatigue frameworks across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The many inconsistencies in frameworks between ambulance services highlight an opportunity to develop a more consistent, collaborative approach that follows evidence-based FRMSs guidelines.

Recommending Career Transitions to Job Seekers Using Earnings Estimates, Skills Similarity, and Occupational Demand

This paper describes a career recommendation algorithm that uses government administrative data to help job seekers discover new careers that similar job seekers have successfully switched to in the past. Algorithm development was motivated by workers and contractors who were displaced by the COVID-19 economic crisis and by workers in declining industries seeking new careers in growing ones. Traditional job boards available through state government websites list all available jobs but do little to remove uncertainty associated with moving to a new industry or occupation. Our recommendation algorithm can lower this uncertainty. It uses causal machine learning techniques and administrative data on the universe of individual-level employment histories and earnings to identify career transitions that have resulted in increased earnings and employment for previous job seekers. We combine these estimates with measures of skill similarity across occupations, derived from natural-language processing of millions of full-text job descriptions, and with occupational demand, as measured by nightly job posting volume. The algorithm parses applicant resumes and returns recommended careers that use similar skills, have available jobs, and are estimated to lead to higher earnings and employment. We have implemented our algorithm in production workforce development systems in five U.S. states.

Unsupervised Machine Learning inCountermovement Jump andIsometric Mid-Thigh Pull Performance Produces Distinct Combat andPhysical Fitness Clusters inMale andFemale U.S. Marine Corps Recruits.

Several challenges face the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and other services in their efforts to design recruit training to augment warfighter mobility and resilience in both male and female recruits as part of an integrated model. Strength and power underpin many of the physical competencies required to meet the occupational demands one might face in military. As the military considers adopting force plate technology to assess indices of strength and power, an opportunity presents itself for the use of machine learning on large datasets to deduce the relevance of variables related to performance and injury risk. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether cluster analysis on baseline strength and power data derived from countermovement jump (CMJ) and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) adequately partitions men and women entering recruit training into distinct performance clusters. The secondary aim of this study is then to assess the between-cluster frequencies of musculoskeletal injury (MSKI). Five hundred and sixty-five males (n = 386) and females (n = 179) at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots located at Parris Island and San Diego were enrolled in the study. Recruits performed CMJ and IMTP tests at the onset of training. Injury data were collected via medical chart review. Combat fitness test (CFT) and physical fitness test (PFT) results were provided to the study team by the USMC. A k-means cluster analysis was performed on CMJ relative peak power, IMTP relative peak force, and dynamic strength index. Independent sample t-tests and Cohen's d effect sizes assessed between-cluster differences in CFT and PFT performance. Differences in cumulative incidence of lower extremity %MSKIs were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. The overall effects of cluster designation on CMJ and IMTP outcomes ranged from moderate (relative peak power: d = -0.68, 95% CI, -0.85 to -0.51) to large (relative peak force: d = -1.69, 95% CI, -1.88 to -1.49; dynamic strength index: d = 1.20, 95% CI, 1.02-1.38), indicating acceptable k-means cluster partitioning. Independent sample t-tests revealed that both men and women in cluster 2 (C2) significantly outperformed those in cluster 1 (C1) in all events of the CFT and PFT (P < .05). The overall and within-gender effect of cluster designation on both CFT and PFT performance ranged from small (d > 0.2) to moderate (d > 0.5). Men in C2, the high-performing cluster, demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of ankle MSKI (P = .04, RR = 0.2, 95% CI, 0.1-1.0). No other between-cluster differences in MSKI were statistically significant. Our results indicate that strength and power metrics derived from force plate tests effectively partition USMC male and female recruits into distinct performance clusters with relevance to tactical and physical fitness using k-means clustering. These data support the potential for expanded use of force plates in assessing readiness in a cohort of men and women entering USMC recruit training. The ability to pre-emptively identify high and low performers in the CFT and PFT can aid in leadership developing frameworks for tailoring training to enhance combat and physical fitness with benchmark values of strength and power.

Lifestyle Dimensions of Public Safety Personnel Families: There's No Life Like It.

The nature and cumulative occupational demands imposed on families of public safety personnel (PSP) are substantial, in many cases non-negotiable, and distinct from the general population accentuating risk factors for family well-being. Despite this reality, the contributions of PSP families are not well understood, and a conceptual framework is needed. The aim of this paper is to summarize contextual factors (lifestyle dimensions) that shape the lives of PSP families; factors supported in the existing, albeit limited, body of research. Grounded in the interpretive/constructivist paradigm, a synthesis was central to understanding the lived experiences of PSP families. An interdisciplinary research team engaged in an iterative process of framework analysis to capture the variability and complexity of PSP family life and distilled the overarching lifestyle dimensions. Three lifestyle dimensions-logistics, risks, and identities-emerged from contextual factors and represent distinct aspects of PSP family life. PSP families play a crucial role in that their capacity to accommodate the lifestyle dimensions (i.e., logistics, risks, and identities), without which the PSP could not meet the demands of the profession. Promoting awareness of these dimensions and their consequent demands underscores the cumulative demands that put PSP families at risk. Responses from governments, public safety organizations, and communities are required to help PSP families manage non-negotiable elements of the public safety occupation that spill over into family life over which they have no control.

Did the Covid-19 Recession Increase the Demand for Digital Occupations in the USA? Evidence from Employment and Vacancies Data

Did the Covid-19 Recession Increase the Demand for Digital Occupations in the USA? Evidence from Employment and Vacancies Data

Navigating the Challenges Encountered While Dual-task Walking in Real-life Environment by Elderly with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background and Objectives: Real-life walking environment comprises various attentionally demanding activities that require intact dual-tasking ability. Dual-task cost is higher in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) while walking due to the alterations in cognition and gait. However, contextual variations in the familial, social, and environmental conditions also influence walking in real-life environments. There is a scarcity of literature exploring the challenges linked with contextual variations while dual-task walking in real-life environments for older adults with T2DM. Hence, this study aims to identify barriers and facilitators to dual-task walking in real-life environments for T2DM elderly. Methods: The study used a phenomenological approach and interviewed older adults with and without T2DM using a semi-structured interview guide. It comprised open-ended questions on walking difficulties in a real-life environment. Results: Four themes were identified which comprised individual, social, environmental, and policy-level factors influencing walking. Role transitions within the family, fear, infrastructural impediments, and overprotectiveness of family members were identified as barriers whereas health literacy, positive outlook, occupational demands, and devout engagement in religious participation were identified as facilitators to walking in the elderly. The participants expressed several policy-level challenges, and emphasis was made on outdoor modifications and the need for community programs. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide insights into various constructs close to real-life walking environment that needs to be included in dual-task cost evaluation tools and several measures that can be taken at the familial and policy levels to increase the community mobility of older adults with T2DM.

Website posts and the voice offrontline healthcare workers: athematic analysis.

With the soaring rise in popularity of social media platforms in recent decades, the use of website posts for the expression of work-related views has also increased. Despite websites being extensively used, there has been no examination of the views and concerns expressed by frontline workers through website posts. The present research aims to contribute to the "voice literature" first by evaluating how frontline workers utilize anonymous media platforms to express their views and work-related concerns and, second, by demonstrating how anonymous voice systems can encourage frontline health workers in providing feedback and dissatisfaction. The study utilizes the thematic analysis method to analyze the content of posts by psychologists on a collaborative consultation website administrated by Israel's Ministry of Health, discussing their perceptions of work-related concerns. The analysis identified three work-related themes through the employees' voices. These include insufficient support from management, conflicts and excessive occupational demands. The workers expressed their apprehension with regard to organizational pressures, deficient budgetallocations, excessive workloads, lack of recognition and work-life imbalances. The application of thematic analysis method to anonymous open-public data should be viewed as an effective, affordable, genuine and unique research method for data analysis. Anonymous platforms can generate unique insights that may not be possible through traditional means. This can provide practitioners with a comprehensive understanding of various issues and challenges and be a useful tool for identifying shortcomings within health settings.

Factors affecting return to work following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Background Prolonged work absence following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a major concern, yet factors influencing return to work are poorly understood. The primary aim of this study is to retrospectively assess the proportion of patients who successfully resume equivalent occupational demands after ARCR, along with the time taken for their return to work. Methods Eighty-three patients underwent ARCR. Work intensity and worker's compensation status were recorded. Patients were interviewed at ≥12 months to determine return to work rate and timing. Results In total, 83 patients were included, with a median age of 58.7 (±8.36) and a follow-up of at least 12 months. 98.8% returned to work at a median of eight weeks. Heavy manual labor significantly delayed return to work compared to light work (HR 0.15 95% CI). Receiving worker's compensation was associated with delayed return to work (HR 0.26 95% CI). Conclusion This study found that nearly all patients returned to work following ARCR, but high-intensity manual labor and worker compensation status significantly delayed their return to work. Patients with physically demanding jobs and those receiving workers’ compensation had a 60–85% lower likelihood of returning to work at any given time point compared to light work and noncompensated patients.

Trajectories of Occupational Cognitive Demands and Risk of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Later Life: The HUNT4 70+ Study.

The cognitive reserve hypothesis posits that cognitively stimulating work delays the onset of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, the effect of occupational cognitive demands across midlife on the risk of these conditions is unclear. Using a cohort study design, we evaluated the association between registry-based trajectories of occupational cognitive demands from ages 30-65 years and clinically diagnosed MCI and dementia in participants in the HUNT4 70+ Study (2017-19). Group-based trajectory modeling identified trajectories of occupational cognitive demands, measured by the routine task intensity (RTI) index (lower RTI indicates more cognitively demanding occupation) from the Occupational Information Network. Multinomial regression was implemented to estimate the relative risk ratios (RRRs) of MCI and dementia, after adjusting for age, sex, education, income, baseline hypertension, obesity, diabetes, psychiatric impairment, hearing impairment, loneliness, smoking status, and physical inactivity assessed at HUNT1-2 in 1984-1986 and 1995-1997. To handle missing data, we used inverse probability weighting to account for nonparticipation in cognitive testing and multiple imputation. Based on longitudinal RTI scores for 305 unique occupations, 4 RTI trajectory groups were identified (n = 7,003, 49.8% women, age range 69-104 years): low RTI (n = 1,431, 20.4%), intermediate-low RTI (n = 1,578, 22.5%), intermediate-high RTI (n = 2,601, 37.1%), and high RTI (n = 1,393, 19.9%). Participants in the high RTI group had a higher risk of MCI (RRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.41-2.14) and dementia (RRR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.86), after adjusting for age, sex, and education compared with participants in the low RTI group. In a sensitivity analysis, controlling for income and baseline health-related factors, the point estimates were not appreciably changed (RRR 1.66, 95% CI 1.35-2.06 for MCI, and RRR 1.31, 95% CI 0.96-1.78 for dementia). People with a history of cognitively stimulating occupations during their 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s had a lower risk of MCI and dementia older than 70 years, highlighting the importance of occupational cognitive stimulation during midlife for maintaining cognitive function in old age. Further research is required to pinpoint the specific occupational cognitive demands that are most advantageous for maintaining later-life cognitive function.

Perceptions Around Vocal Health Among Group Fitness Instructors and Pilot Use of Group Fitness Instructor–Specific Voice Handicap Questionnaire

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the vocal behaviors of group fitness instructors (GFIs), explore awareness among GFIs about voice-specialized health care, and assess the potential utility of a GFI-specific voice handicap questionnaire. Method: An anonymous 27-question survey was distributed digitally to GFIs. In addition to collecting demographic data and information about vocal behaviors and demands, the survey included a 10-question GFI-specific questionnaire (GFI-VHI-10) adapted from the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10. Results: Fifty-two GFIs participated in the study (75% female, 25% male) with a mean age of 44.6 years. Forty-six percent reported having a voice problem (VP) since entering the fitness industry. Of those 24 individuals, only four received treatment. There was a statistically significant difference in mean GFI-VHI-10 scores between the VP group (11.87) and the non-VP group (6.1), ( p &lt; .001). Of all respondents, 56% reported never or almost never wearing a microphone while instructing. When asked what they would do if they experienced a VP that lasted for longer than 2 weeks, only 9.6% would see a laryngologist, 23% would see an otolaryngologist, 31% would see their primary care provider, 11.5% were unsure, and 25% would ignore it and hope for spontaneous improvement. Conclusions: Although GFIs are at increased risk for vocal health challenges due to their occupational voice demands, their adherence to vocal health maintenance behaviors and awareness of voice-specialized health care may be limited. The GFI-VHI-10 is a promising tool in that it captured higher scores in the VP group than the non-VP group; however, further exploration is warranted.