Metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors among police officers

Abstract

Background:Police force constitutes a special occupational group. They have been shown to be at high risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases. A multitude of factors may be responsible for this. There is very limited documentation of their health status and health surveillance activities are inadequate.Aim:The present study was designed to measure the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors among police officers.Materials and Methods:The design was cross-sectional and spanned 900 policemen (n = 900). A pre-tested questionnaire was used for collecting historical data. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were carried out using standard techniques. MS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program—Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software.Results:MS was observed in 16.8% of the study population. High blood pressure and hyper-triglyceridemia were the commonest abnormalities. The prevalence of other cardiovascular risk factors were high body mass index (65.6%), hypertension (37.7%), diabetes (7%), smoking (10%), and alcohol use (48%).Conclusion:Our study identified police officers as a high-risk group for developing CVDs. The findings underscore the need for regular surveillance and lifestyle interventions in this important occupational group.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hypertension Among Male Police Personnel in Urban Puducherry, India

“…5 In contrast a recent study in Kerala found the prevalence rate of hypertension to be 37.7%. 3 In view of the above, the prevalence may be comparable or marginally higher than other risk groups or general population.…”

“…2 Police personnel constitute a special occupational group with exposure to violence and stress at work, which directly and indirectly affects their health. 3 A cohort study on Helsinki policemen found coronary heart disease as a major cause of mortality among policemen. 4 Obesity, dietary factors, smoking, alcohol use, exposure to stress at work and lack of physical activity were important factors associated with hypertension.…”

“…Very few studies were conducted with regard to this among police personnel in India. 3,5 With this background, the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence and certain risk factors of hypertension among male police personnel in urban Puducherry, India.…”

Law enforcement and cardiovascular risk: Findings of a cross-sectional study from Rural Karnataka

“…20 the prevalence was higher than Chennai study (62.9%) 19 and Kerala study(66%). 2 Most of the police personnel (63.3%) had a waist circumference > 85 cm as compared to 71.5% and 65.1% (Waist Circumference > 90 cm) reported by Ramakrishnan et al 20 and Shabana et al 19 respectively.…”

“…1,2 It has been reported by researchers that due to enormous stress, police officers suffer from different physiological disorders, such as gastrointestinal, insomnia, psychological disorders,family dysfunction 1,[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] and cardiovascular disorders 10,11 than the general population. The objective of the study was to estimate the burden of individual and aggregated CVD risk factors and predict the 10 year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular event in this population using Framingham risk score.…”