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Ndumwa HP, Njiro BJ, Francis JM, Kawala T, Msenga CJ, Matola E, Mhonda J, Corbin H, Ubuguyu O, Likindikoki S. Prevalence and factors associated with potential substance use disorders among police officers in urban Tanzania: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:175. [PMID: 36927411 PMCID: PMC10022246 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04663-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) among Police Officers has been a concern to many professionals in the field of health, research and criminal justice since their work is subjected to higher levels of stress and hence more likely to use alcohol or tobacco as a coping mechanism. However, little is known about SUDs among Police Officers in Tanzania. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and factors associated with SUDs among Police Officers in urban Tanzania. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and October 2019 among Police Officers in Dar es Salaam. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. The WHO-Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) version 3.0 was used to measure potential SUDs. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to establish associations between potential SUDs and predictors of interest, and an alpha of 5% was used in sample size calculation. RESULTS A total of 497 participants were enrolled, of these, 76.6% (376/491) were males, the median age (years) and IQR was 37.0 (30.0, 47.0). The prevalence of past three months use of alcohol and tobacco were 31.3% and 6.3%, respectively. About 13.3% (62/468) and 6.2% (29/468) of Police Officers met criteria for potential Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and potential Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD) respectively. In adjusted analysis, participants with depression had about two times increased odds for potential AUD (aOR: 2.27, 95% CI; 1.12 - 4.58, p = 0.023) than those with no depression. Potential AUD and depression were associated with about eight times (aOR: 8.03, 95% CI; 3.52 - 18.28, p < 0.01) and more than twice (aOR: 2.63, 95% CI; 1.12 - 6.15, p = 0.026) higher odds for potential TUD respectively. CONCLUSION Substance use and potential substance use disorders particularly AUD and TUD are common among Police Officers in urban Tanzania. Depression was found to be an important factor for potential AUD and TUD among Police Officers and, a significant co-occurrence of potential AUD with potential TUD was observed. Findings from this study call for interventions, for example, the need to routinize the brief motivational interview services for alcohol and tobacco use among Police Officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda J. Njiro
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joel M. Francis
- grid.11951.3d0000 0004 1937 1135Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Thomas Kawala
- Medical Service Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Charles J. Msenga
- Medical Service Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ezekiel Matola
- Medical Service Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Juhudi Mhonda
- Medical Service Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hillary Corbin
- Medical Service Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omary Ubuguyu
- grid.415734.00000 0001 2185 2147Directorate of Curative Services, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- grid.25867.3e0000 0001 1481 7466Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Yadav B, Kc A, Bhusal S, Pradhan PMS. Prevalence and factors associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress among traffic police officers in Kathmandu, Nepal: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061534. [PMID: 35672072 PMCID: PMC9174765 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, associated factors and stress-coping strategies among traffic police officers in Kathmandu, Nepal. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. PARTICIPANTS A total of 300 traffic police officers working under the different traffic units of Kathmandu Valley for at least 6 months were recruited via a simple random sampling procedure. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES State of depression, anxiety and stress among traffic police officers based on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Coping strategies under stressful conditions based on the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE) tool. RESULTS Altogether 124 (41.3%) traffic police officers had symptoms of depression, 141 (47%) had anxiety symptoms and 132 (44%) had symptoms of stress. Smoking was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression (adjusted OR (AOR): 10.7, 95% CI: 4.8 to 23.6), anxiety (AOR: 7.1, 95% CI: 3.4 to 14.9) and stress (AOR: 6.8, 95% CI: 3.3 to 14.1). Similarly, longer working hours was significantly associated with higher odds of experiencing symptoms of depression (AOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.8 to 6.4), anxiety (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.9) and stress (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.4), and lack of physical exercise was associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting depressive symptoms (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.7). Participants in this study used positive coping strategies more than negative coping strategies. CONCLUSION Our study found a high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among traffic police officers in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Smoking and longer working hours were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and lack of physical exercise was associated with an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binita Yadav
- Nepal Health Sector Support Programme (NHSSP 3), HERD International, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | - Anil Kc
- Abt Associates, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
| | | | - Pranil Man Singh Pradhan
- Department of Community Medicine, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Nepalese Society of Community Medicine, Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal
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Irizar P, Puddephatt JA, Gage SH, Fallon V, Goodwin L. The prevalence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use across trauma-exposed occupations: A meta-analysis and meta-regression. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108858. [PMID: 34214883 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma exposure is associated with hazardous and/or harmful alcohol use. Occupational groups frequently exposed to trauma may be at risk of alcohol harm. This meta-analysis determined the prevalence of hazardous and harmful alcohol use across trauma-exposed occupations and meta-regressions explored the impact of pre-defined covariates on the variance in prevalence estimates. METHOD Literature was searched from 2000 to March 2020, using Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Studies were included in the meta-analysis if they used a standardized measure of alcohol use (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)). Studies were excluded if they measured alcohol use following an isolated sentinel event (e.g., 9/11). The following occupations were included: first responders, health care workers, Armed Forces, war journalists and train drivers. RESULTS 1882 studies were identified; 55 studies were eligible. The pooled prevalence of hazardous use was 22% (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]: 17%-27%) and 11% (95% CI: 8%-14%) for harmful use. Hazardous alcohol use was significantly lower in health care workers (13%; 95% CI: 10%-16%) than first responders (26%; 95% CI: 20%-32%) and Armed Forces (34%; 95% CI: 18%-52%). There was marked heterogeneity across studies and higher prevalence rates in low-quality studies. The meta-regression identified higher proportion of males and younger mean age as predictors of variance. CONCLUSIONS Male-dominated occupations, such as police officers and military personnel, showed higher levels of hazardous and harmful alcohol use, indicating that interventions tailored specifically for these occupational groups may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Irizar
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom.
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne H Gage
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Fallon
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goodwin
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Galanis P, Fragkou D, Katsoulas TA. Risk factors for stress among police officers: A systematic literature review. Work 2021; 68:1255-1272. [PMID: 33867384 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is common among police personnel leading to several negative consequences. OBJECTIVE We performed a systematic literature review to identify risk factors for stress among police officers. METHODS We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases through to July 2018 and we conducted this review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for studies quality assessment. RESULTS After selection, 29 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and included in the review. The average quality of studies was low since no study was rated as having low risk of bias, three studies (10.3%) as moderate risk and 26 studies (89.7%) were rated as having high risk of bias. Stress risk factors were summarized in the following categories: demographic characteristics; job characteristics; lifestyle factors; negative coping strategies and negative personality traits. CONCLUSIONS Identification of stress risk factors is the first step to create and adopt the appropriate interventions to decrease stress among police personnel. The early identification of police officers at higher risk and the appropriate screening for mental health disorders is crucial to prevent disease and promote quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Galanis
- Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Fragkou
- Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros A Katsoulas
- Department of Nursing, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Ahuja N, Kathiresan J, Anand T, Isaakidis P, Bajaj D. I have heard about it for the first time from you! Implementation of tobacco control law by police personnel in India. Public Health Action 2018; 8:194-201. [PMID: 30775280 DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Setting and Objetives: Police personnel, alongside other key stakeholders, are responsible for implementing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in India. This study aimed to assess knowledge and attitudes about COTPA among police personnel and explore enablers and barriers in implementing it. Design: This convergent parallel mixed-methods study used a self-administered questionnaire (quantitative) and key informant interviews (qualitative). Of 300 police personnel across all eight police stations in Daman, 155 participated. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the χ2 test. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews of six key informants from all coordinating departments were analysed thematically. Results: Overall, 63.2% of responders were aware of any tobacco control law in India, and only 12.9% were trained in its implementation. One person had conducted inspections for COTPA compliance in the last 12 months. The majority (78.1%) of the police personnel, and significantly more tobacco non-users than users (81.2% vs. 52.9%, P = 0.016), felt that enforcing anti-tobacco regulations is one of their most important functions. Perceived benefits of the act and formal authority to act were the two main enablers of COTPA implementation. Lack of awareness and coordination, competing priorities, concentration of authority with higher-ranking officials and evasion of the law by retailers and the public hampered effective implementation of the law. Conclusion: Knowledge about the COTPA was average and implementation poor. Sensitisation and training of implementers, systematic transparent reporting and creating awareness among public are recommended for effective implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Ahuja
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Vaidik Dental College and Research Centre, Daman, India
| | - J Kathiresan
- Department of Community Medicine, Velammal Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Madurai, India
| | - T Anand
- Department of Community Medicine, North Delhi Municipal Corporation Medical College Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - P Isaakidis
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Operational Research Unit, Luxembourg
| | - D Bajaj
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Vaidik Dental College and Research Centre, Daman, India
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Christopher MS, Hunsinger M, Goerling LRJ, Bowen S, Rogers BS, Gross CR, Dapolonia E, Pruessner JC. Mindfulness-based resilience training to reduce health risk, stress reactivity, and aggression among law enforcement officers: A feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial. Psychiatry Res 2018; 264:104-115. [PMID: 29627695 PMCID: PMC6226556 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to assess feasibility and gather preliminary outcome data on Mindfulness-Based Resilience Training (MBRT) for law enforcement officers. Participants (n = 61) were randomized to either an 8-week MBRT course or a no intervention control group. Self-report and physiological data were collected at baseline, post-training, and three months following intervention completion. Attendance, adherence, post-training participant feedback, and interventionist fidelity to protocol all demonstrated feasibility of MBRT for law enforcement officers. Compared to no intervention controls, MBRT participants experienced greater reductions in salivary cortisol, self-reported aggression, organizational stress, burnout, sleep disturbance, and reported increases in psychological flexibility and non-reactivity at post-training; however, group differences were not maintained at three-month follow-up. This initial randomized trial suggests MBRT is a feasible intervention. Outcome data suggest MBRT targets key physiological, psychological, and health risk factors in law enforcement officers, consistent with the potential to improve officer health and public safety. However, follow-up training or "booster" sessions may be needed to maintain training gains. A fully powered longitudinal randomized trial is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Hunsinger
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Lt Richard J Goerling
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA; Mindful Badge Initiative, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Sarah Bowen
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Brant S Rogers
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA; Stress Reduction Clinic, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Cynthia R Gross
- College of Pharmacy and School of Nursing, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eli Dapolonia
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
| | - Jens C Pruessner
- Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Douglas Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Associations of Short Sleep and Shift Work Status with Hypertension among Black and White Americans. Int J Hypertens 2015; 2015:697275. [PMID: 26495140 PMCID: PMC4606100 DOI: 10.1155/2015/697275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether short sleepers (<6 hrs) who worked the non-day-shift were at greater likelihood of reporting hypertension and if these associations varied by individuals' ethnicity. Methods. Analysis was based on the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). A total of 59,199 American adults provided valid data for the present analyses (mean age = 46.2 ± 17.7 years; 51.5% were female). Respondents provided work schedule and estimated habitual sleep durations as well as self-report of chronic conditions. Results. Of the sample, 30.8% reported a diagnosis of hypertension, 79.1% reported daytime shift work, 11.0% reported rotating shift work, and 4.0% reported night shift work. Logistic regression analysis showed that shift work was significantly associated with hypertension among Blacks [OR = 1.35, CI: 1.06–1.72. P < 0.05], but not among Whites [OR = 1.01, CI: 0.85–1.20, NS]. Black shift workers sleeping less than 6 hours had significantly increased odds of reporting hypertension [OR = 1.81, CI: 1.29–2.54, P < 0.01], while their White counterparts did not [OR = 1.17, CI: 0.90–1.52, NS]. Conclusions. Findings suggest that Black Americans working the non-day-shift especially with short sleep duration have increased odds of reporting hypertension.
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Alexopoulos EC, Palatsidi V, Tigani X, Darviri C. Exploring stress levels, job satisfaction, and quality of life in a sample of police officers in Greece. Saf Health Work 2014; 5:210-5. [PMID: 25516814 PMCID: PMC4266800 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ongoing economic crisis in Greece has affected both stress and quality of life (QoL) at all socioeconomic levels, including professionals in the police force. The aim of this study was to examine perceived stress, job satisfaction, QoL, and their relationships in a sample of police officers in Greece. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted during the first trimester of 2011 in 23 police stations in the greater Athens area. A total of 201 police officers agreed to participate (response rate 44.6%). The General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was used to assess general health, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) questionnaires were used to assess QoL and perceived stress, respectively. Results The PSS and GHQ subscales and total scores exhibited strong, positive, and significant correlations coefficients (r): 0.52 for somatic disturbances, 0.56 for stress and insomnia, 0.40 for social dysfunction, and 0.37 for depression, yielding an r equal to 0.57 for the total GHQ score. A higher level of perceived stress was related to a lower likelihood of being satisfied with their job; in this regard, male participants and higher ranked officers reported lower job satisfaction. The PSS and GHQ scores were inversely, consistently, and significantly related to almost all of the QoL aspects, explaining up to 34% of their variability. Parenthood had a positive effect on QoL related to physical health, and women reported lower QoL related to psychological health. Conclusion Higher levels of stress are related to an increased risk of reporting suboptimal job satisfaction and QoL. The magnitude of these associations varied depending on age, gender, and rank, highlighting the need for stress-management training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos C Alexopoulos
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Palatsidi
- Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Department of Health Visitors, Athens, Greece
| | - Xanthi Tigani
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Darviri
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Avdija AS. Stress and law enforcers: testing the relationship between law enforcement work stressors and health-related issues. Health Psychol Behav Med 2014; 2:100-110. [PMID: 25750771 PMCID: PMC4345826 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2013.878657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between law enforcement work-related stressors and health issues. Specifically, this study attempts to determine the effects of stress-producing factors (e.g. vigorous activities at work, shift change, perceived danger associated with police work, etc.) on physiological health-related issues (e.g. the number of reported health issues, high blood pressure, back pain, and headaches) and psychosocial behavior problems (e.g. alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking) among police officers. The analyses are based on a total 1632 law enforcement officers, who represent 51 police agencies in the three major cities, New York City, Dallas Texas, and Minneapolis, USA. The research findings that emerged from this study show that the number of days in vigorous activities and perceived physiological demands have the strongest influence on the number of health-related issues. Working without a partner and frequent shift changes had the strongest influence on alcohol consumption by police officers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avdi S Avdija
- Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Indiana State University , Terre Haute , IN , USA
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Sucakli MH, Ozer A, Celik M, Kahraman H, Ekerbicer HC. Religious officials' knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards smoking and the new tobacco law in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. BMC Public Health 2011; 11:602. [PMID: 21797994 PMCID: PMC3163549 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-11-602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tobacco control effort should be first started in people that are looked upon as role models for the general population. We aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of religious officials towards smoking and the new tobacco law. Method The study group was comprised of 492 Imams and 149 Quran course instructors working in Kahramanmaras city of Turkey, 641 religious officials in total, and our survey form was applied on 406 (63.3%) of those religious officials who agreed to participate in the study. Results Twenty-eight (6.9%) participants were current smokers and 35 (8.6%) were ex-smokers. 99.8% of the religious officials believed that smoking was harmful and/or prohibited in terms of religion. While 43.6% respondents thought smoking was "haram" (forbidden by Islam), 56.2% believed it was "makruh" (something regarded as reprehensible, though not forbidden by God according to Islam). 85.2% of the participants were aware of the recent tobacco law. 55.5% of the respondents, who were aware of the recent tobacco law, evaluated their knowledge level on the law as adequate, whereas 44.5% evaluated it as inadequate 92.4% of the participants noted that religious officials should play active roles in tobacco control effort. Conclusion Smoking rate among religious officials is much lower than that of general public. In order to help religious officials to take a more active role on this issue, they should be trained on the subject and appropriate platforms should be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Haki Sucakli
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, Kahramanmaras Sutcuimam University, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
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Miyatake N, Nishii K, Numata T. Relationship between work style and cigarette smoking in Japanese workers. Health (London) 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2011.39090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Smith B, Ryan MAK, Wingard DL, Patterson TL, Slymen DJ, Macera CA. Cigarette smoking and military deployment: a prospective evaluation. Am J Prev Med 2008; 35:539-46. [PMID: 18842388 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2008.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 07/31/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The stress of military deployment may compound occupational stress experienced in the military and manifest in maladaptive coping behaviors such as cigarette smoking. The current study describes new smoking among never-smokers, smoking recidivism among past smokers, and change in daily smoking among smokers in relation to military deployment. METHODS The Millennium Cohort is a 21-year longitudinal study. The current analysis utilized participants (N=48,304) who submitted baseline data (July 2001-June 2003) before the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and follow-up data (June 2004-January 2006) on health measures. New smoking was identified among baseline never-smokers, smoking recidivism among baseline past smokers, and increased or decreased daily smoking among baseline smokers. Analyses were conducted March 2007-April 2007. RESULTS Among never-smokers, smoking initiation was identified in 1.3% of nondeployers and 2.3% of deployers. Among past smokers, smoking resumption occurred in 28.7% of nondeployers and 39.4% of those who deployed. Smoking increased 44% among nondeployers and 57% among deployers. Those who deployed and reported combat exposures were at 1.6 times greater odds of initiating smoking among baseline never-smokers (95% CI=1.2, 2.3) and at 1.3 times greater odds of resuming smoking among baseline past smokers when compared to those who did not report combat exposures. Other deployment factors independently associated with postdeployment smoking recidivism included deploying for >9 months and deploying multiple times. Among those who smoked at baseline, deployment was not associated with changes in daily amount smoked. CONCLUSIONS Military deployment is associated with smoking initiation and, more strongly, with smoking recidivism, particularly among those with prolonged deployments, multiple deployments, or combat exposures. Prevention programs should focus on the prevention of smoking relapse during or after deployment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Besa Smith
- Department of Defense Center for Deployment Health Research, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California 92106-3521, USA.
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Ramey SL, Downing NR, Knoblauch A. Developing strategic interventions to reduce cardiovascular disease risk among law enforcement officers: the art and science of data triangulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 56:54-62. [PMID: 18306648 DOI: 10.1177/216507990805600202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to use data triangulation to inform interventions targeted at reducing morbidity from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated risk factors among law enforcement officers. Using the Precede-Proceed Health Promotion Planning Model, survey data (n = 672) and focus group data (n = 8 groups) from the Milwaukee Police Department were analyzed. Narrative transcripts disclosed that law enforcement officers encounter potential barriers and motivators to a healthy lifestyle. Survey results indicated rates of overweight (71.1% vs. 60.8%) and hypertension (27.4% vs. 17.6%) were significantly (p < or = .001) higher among Milwaukee Police Department law enforcement officers than the general population of Wisconsin (n = 2,855). The best predictor of CVD was diabetes (p = .030). Occupational health nurses are uniquely positioned to identify health risks, design appropriate interventions, and advocate for policy changes that improve the health of those employed in law enforcement and other high-risk professions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Ramey
- The University of Iowa College of Nursing and College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Belkić K, Nedic O. Workplace Stressors and Lifestyle‐Related Cancer Risk Factors among Female Physicians: Assessment Using the Occupational Stress Index. J Occup Health 2007; 49:61-71. [PMID: 17314468 DOI: 10.1539/joh.49.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between work stressors and lifestyle-related cancer risk factors (LRCRF): smoking, obesity, sedentariness and alcohol consumption, among 112 female physicians in Novi Sad, a region of high LRCRF prevalence. The participation rate was 92.6%. Participants completed the physician-specific version of the Occupational Stress Index (OSI). Self-reported data concerning LRCRF and working conditions were cross-validated with medical records, as well as with worksite measurements and expert observations. A total of 35 (31.3%) of the physicians were current smokers and 10 (8.9%) were heavy smokers (>20 cigarettes/day); 23 (20.5%) had a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more, and 11 (9.8%) were obese (BMI> or =30). Only 27 (24.1%) regularly engaged in recreational physical activity (PA). Slightly over 5% consumed alcohol daily. Altogether 15 (13.4%) had a low lifestyle-related cancer risk profile (not a current smoker, BMI<28, regular recreational PA and no daily alcohol consumption). Total OSI and several OSI aspects, particularly threat avoidance alone or in combination, showed significant multivariate associations with LRCRF, as did individual OSI elements. The latter included long work hours, restricted problem-solving strategy, insufficient help with clinical difficulties and supervisory responsibility (obesity and/or sedentariness) and problems hampering patient care (smoking). There is an urgent need to lower the LRCRF among female physicians in this high risk region. Our findings suggest that diminishing the work stressor burden should be considered when developing intervention strategies aimed at these risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Belkić
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Böckelmann I, Pfister EA, Dietze E, Schneemilch N. Individuelle Stressverarbeitung von Polizeibeamten als Grundlage für Präventionsmaßnahmen. ZENTRALBLATT FÜR ARBEITSMEDIZIN, ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ERGONOMIE 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03349105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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