Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro: Can a Risk Profile Be Identified?

Abstract

Background: Significant exposure to critical incidents characteristic of military police work has a potentially traumatic effect and multiple consequences for the mental health of these professionals, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aims to investigate the occurrence of PTSD in this occupational group and its correlations with socio-demographic and occupational variables. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of Rio de Janeiro’s Military Police officers (n = 3.577). Data was collected from self-reported questionnaires applied in an institutional health program. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist—Civilian version was used to assess PTSD. Results: Rates of 16.9% for full PTSD and 26.7% for partial PTSD were found. Based on logistic regression analysis, female officers and police officers in lower ranks of the military hierarchy and performing administrative duties were found to be at most risk of developing PTSD. Conclusions: These results suggest the need to further understand the predictive organizational and individual variables of PTSD correlated with the increased vulnerability of professionals in order to contribute to institutional policies for the prevention and rehabilitation of these cases.

Burnout: A Review of Theory and Measurement

“…Burnout and stress are analyzed from different perspectives with a focus on specific occupational groups in diverse countries from several continents. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) is investigated as well as its correlations with socio-demographic and occupational variables [131]. Gender and age differences in personal discrimination experience, burnout, and job stress among physiotherapists and occupational therapists are examined in South Korea [132].…”

Rostros marcados por la violencia armada: el día a día de la policía militar en el estado de Río de Janeiro

“…As mudanças no jeito de ser e de viver, produzindo o autoisolamento e estigma social narrados pelos policiais, parecem ter sido potencializadas por um sentimento de desamparo pela 96 Artigos sido considerada fator de risco para doenças mentais (Minayo et al, 2008;Heffren & Hausdorf, 2016;Dias Campos et al, 2021). Breton, 2007;Elias, 1994;Goffman, 1988).…”

Work Social Support and PTSD in Police Officers: The Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment

“…The sample consisted of professionals performing operational functions (56.9%: ostensive and ordinary policing on foot or motorized, specialized tactical policing, and police intelligence activities) or administrative functions (43.1%: secretariat, treasury, logistics, personnel control, etc.). The inclusion of professionals in administrative roles in this sample was based on previous findings that indicate that they may also be affected by PTSD in this institution due to the re-exposure to which they are also subjected throughout their careers in operational functions [6], even if they were in an administrative role at the time of participation.…”

“…Although there is variability (7% to 19%) in the prevalence rates of PTSD observed among police officers [2,[6][7][8], there is also strong evidence that this disorder is highly prevalent in this occupational group, resulting in significant impacts on their mental and physical health, as well as on their social and professional functioning [9]. Police officers exposed to traumatic incidents report higher levels of fear, guilt, anger, irritability, feelings of giving up, and sleep disturbances [10].…”