Study of occupational stress as a risk factor for various morbidities among policemen

Police work is widely considered to be among the most stressful occupations. There is increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases risk factors and type 2 diabetes among policemen in many countries. There is limited data on health status of policemen in India. Hence a cross-sectional study was conducted during the period April 2007 to September 2007 at three police stations in Rahata taluka of Ahmednagar district. Study was done to assess the level of stress and source of stress among policemen and to study the stress as a risk factor for hypertension, diabetes, obesity and depression. All available 90 policemen were interviewed and their occupational stress was assessed by occupational stress index. Clinical examination and necessary investigations were done. Depression among them was diagnosed with the help of Hamilton depression rating scale. Majority of policemen (88.89%) were having moderate level of stress. Role overload and responsibility for person were moderately stress producing factors among all ranks. Stress score was significantly high among overweight (137), diabetes (142), hypertensive (137) and depressed (118) policemen. Thus occupational stress is the risk factor for development of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and depression.