Citation

Slottje P, Smidt N, Twisk JWR, Huizink AC, Witteveen AB, Van Mechelen W, Smid T. Eur. J. Public Health 2008; 18(1): 92-94.

Affiliation

VU University Medical Center, EMGO Institute and Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/eurpub/ckm078

PMID

17644527

Abstract

This study examined the use of health care by police officers after the air disaster in Amsterdam. On average 8.5 years post-disaster, involved police officers (n = 834, who reported disaster-related tasks), and their non-involved colleagues (n = 634) completed questionnaires on disaster involvement and health care in the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression showed that involved police officers more often used drugs on their own initiative, sleeping pills or tranquillisers, and consulted a general practitioner or medical specialist, a paramedical specialist, and a privately practicing psychologist or psychiatrist. Thus, even after years, police officers involved in disaster work may use more self-initiated health care.

Language: en