JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Background: The police deal on a regular basis with an assortment of unique situations and stress-ors and this profession is considered as one of the top three occupations most commonly associated with workplace stress by both occupational physicians and psychiatrists. The prevalence of certain morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, obesity, low back ache and cardiovascular risk is more among police personnel than general population. Aims: To assess morbidity pattern among police personnel with the intention of providing inputs to the policy makers to bring about changes to address these issues of the police force. Set-tings and Design: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study was carried out on police personnel working in 5 police stations. Methods and Material: Complete information regarding socio-economic-demographic de-tails, occupational history, past and present history and family history was collected through interview. Gen-eral examination including anthropometric measurements and vitals with special reference to Non Com-municable diseases was recorded. Blood samples were collected to estimate Fasting Blood Sugar, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1C) and Lipid profile. Results: A total of 200 Police personnel were interviewed. Preva-lence of Obesity was 68% and Overweight was seen in 16%. 23.5% were Tobacco users and 28% were con-suming Alcohol. 46% of the people were suffering from Musculoskeletal Problems. 23% were diagnosed to have Diabetes Mellitus, 26% had Hypertension and 64.5% had Metabolic Syndrome. 183(91.5%) had abnor-mal lipid profile. Conclusions: Regular screening and health education programs needs to be implemented. Counseling related to lifestyle modification, addiction control and stress management should be an integral component of these health-related activities.

Key-words: Policemen, Diabetes, Hypertension and Obesity