Pattern of occupational injury and its effect on the health of male police officers in Calicut, India

Abstract

Context: Police of icers play an important role in the society by ensuring security and are an occupational group at high risk for sustaining injuries, which is associated with an increased risk of adverse physical and mental health. Studies suggest that they die at an earlier age than expected for the general population for all causes of death. Risks for occupational injury and illness among policemen have not been tracked adequately; the relationships between chronic disease and mortality have not been adequately evaluated and health and hazard surveillance system have not been yet developed in India. Objectives: The main objective was to document the pattern of injuries and associated factors among police of icers and to study its effect on their health. Materials and Methods: The study was cross sectional and covered 900 policemen (n = 900). Details of injury and related history were elicited using a semi structured questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were carried out using standard techniques. Multivariate analysis was done to identify associated risks and to assess the impact of injury on the physical and mental health of policemen. Results: Injury was reported by 20% of the policemen. The main cause of injury was encounters (52.7%) followed by accidents (35.5%). Commonest type of injury was laceration (43.2%) followed by fractures (36.7%). The injury group had higher prevalence of smoking, frequency of alcohol consumption, less satisfaction levels, and also reported more joint pain and body aches. Though the perceived stress and metabolic syndrome were high it was not statistically signi icant. Conclusions: Our study indicates high susceptibility of police of icers to injury. Availability of equipments for personal protection of police should be improved and its compliance ensured for the safety of the police and the community.