Citation

Leino T, Eskelinen K, Summala H, Virtanen M. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2012; 55(8): 691-697.

Affiliation

Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland. tuula.leino@ttl.fi.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/ajim.22026

PMID

22354887

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We examined the associations of the frequency and the need for medical treatment caused by work-related violence with adverse mental health among Finnish police officers (n = 1,734). METHODS: The data were collected via a questionnaire. RESULTS: Employees who had suffered more than one injury were at a 4.86-fold risk (95% CI = 2.72-8.66) of increased alcohol consumption, a 4.40-fold risk (95% CI = 2.87-6.76) of psychological distress symptoms, and a 2.49-fold risk (95% CI = 1.73-3.59) of fear of future violence compared to those who had suffered no injuries. Among those who had suffered injuries (n = 843), the need for medical treatment when injured was associated with a 2.33-fold risk (95% CI = 1.19-4.57) of psychological distress symptoms and with a 2.09-fold risk (95% CI = 1.08-4.03) of fear of future violence when compared to those who did not need medical care for their injury. CONCLUSIONS: Among police officers, high frequency and the need for medical treatment of injuries is associated with an increased risk of adverse mental health. High frequency of injuries may also increase alcohol consumption among police officers. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en