(P19-56-26) Associations Between Financial Attitudes, Food Security, and Mental Health Among U.S. Firefighters

Objectives: Firefighters face frequent trauma exposure and physical health risks alongside often constrained incomes. Notably, high-risk contexts may foster more present-oriented financial attitudes (e.g., prioritizing immediate spending over long-term saving), yet this pathway remains understudied in the fire service. This study examined the association between financial attitudes, food security, and mental health among active U.S. firefighters.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey (8/2025-12/2025) was conducted among career and volunteer firefighters. Participants were recruited through social media and professional networks. Survey utilized previously validated metrics for food security status (Hunger Vital Sign) and symptoms of anxiety (GAD-2) and depression (PHQ-2). Four items assessed present-oriented financial attitudes. Scores ranged from 0-16, with higher scores indicating more present orientation. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation (ρ), independent samples t-test, and Fisher’s Exact Test.

Results: Respondents (n=109) mean age was 42.5±10.6 years old, with the majority identifying as white men (86.2%, n=94). Notably, 22% (n=24) respondents experienced food insecurity (FIS). Compared to the food secure (FS) group, participants experiencing FIS were more likely to report experiencing clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (45.8% vs 20.2%, FIS and FS respectively, p=0.017) and depression (29.2% vs 8.3%, p=0.014). Financial attitudes were not significantly associated with food security status, with scores of 5.62±2.56 among those who were FS and 6.29±2.91 among those who were FIS (p=1.00). Additionally, financial attitudes were not significantly associated with symptoms of anxiety (ρ=0.23, p=0.053) or depression (ρ=0.20, p=0.123).

Conclusions: Although present-oriented financial attitudes were not significantly associated with food security or mental health outcomes, overall levels of present orientation were moderate. Given the concurrent elevated prevalence of food insecurity and mental distress, further research is warranted to clarify how financial status and attitudes may interact with broader occupational factors specific to firefighters.

Funding Sources: Oklahoma State University College of Education and Human Sciences