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Seidman AJ, Born W, Corriveau E. First Responders During COVID-19: Career Calling, PTSD, and Work Self-Efficacy. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:1017-1023. [PMID: 38211731 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the COVID-19 pandemic, first responders were identified as a high-risk group for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which are commonly associated with negative thoughts about oneself. This may pose risk to perceptions of work self-efficacy, an integral component of employee well-being and occupational functioning. In line with the Job Demands-Resources Model (Demerouti et al., 2001), the present study examined whether the degree to which first responders' perceived career calling (i.e., a "summons" to work) served as a protective factor in the relationship between PTSD symptoms associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and perceptions of self-efficacy in the workplace. METHODS Participants were 138 first responders from local county police and fire departments who completed online screening measures for probable PTSD and depression, as well as self-reports of work self-efficacy and career calling, between May and June 2020. Statistical analysis occurred between 2020 and 2021. RESULTS Moderation analysis, controlling for depression and relevant covariates, revealed an interaction between PTSD symptoms and career calling, ΔR2=0.04, p=0.017. At low levels of career calling, there was a significant and negative relationship between PTSD symptoms and work self-efficacy (b=‒0.14, p=0.023), but not among first responders with average or high calling (p's>0.58). Positive screening rates were 22% for probable PTSD and 19% for depression. CONCLUSIONS Perceiving a career calling may help protect first responders during COVID-19 from the deleterious effects of PTSD symptomatology on work self-efficacy. Prevention efforts targeting first responders with low calling strength may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendi Born
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Erin Corriveau
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas
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Parkes S, Irizar P, Greenberg N, Wessely S, Fear NT, Hotopf M, Stevelink SAM. Sickness absence and associations with sociodemographic factors, health risk behaviours, occupational stressors and adverse mental health in 40,343 UK police employees. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2024; 33:e26. [PMID: 38712441 PMCID: PMC11094650 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796024000283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Police employees may experience high levels of stress due to the challenging nature of their work which can then lead to sickness absence. To date, there has been limited research on sickness absence in the police. This exploratory analysis investigated sickness absence in UK police employees. METHODS Secondary data analyses were conducted using data from the Airwave Health Monitoring Study (2006-2015). Past year sickness absence was self-reported and categorised as none, low (1-5 days), moderate (6-19 days) and long-term sickness absence (LTSA, 20 or more days). Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine sickness absence and exploratory associations with sociodemographic factors, occupational stressors, health risk behaviours, and mental health outcomes, controlling for rank, gender and age. RESULTS From a sample of 40,343 police staff and police officers, forty-six per cent had no sickness absence within the previous year, 33% had a low amount, 13% a moderate amount and 8% were on LTSA. The groups that were more likely to take sick leave were women, non-uniformed police staff, divorced or separated, smokers and those with three or more general practitioner consultations in the past year, poorer mental health, low job satisfaction and high job strain. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the groups of police employees who may be more likely to take sick leave and is unique in its use of a large cohort of police employees. The findings emphasise the importance of considering possible modifiable factors that may contribute to sickness absence in UK police forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Parkes
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - P. Irizar
- Department of Sociology, School of Social Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - N. Greenberg
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - S. Wessely
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - N. T. Fear
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Academic Department of Military Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - M. Hotopf
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S. A. M. Stevelink
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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3
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Wagner SL, White N, White M, Fyfe T, Matthews LR, Randall C, Regehr C, Alden LE, Buys N, Carey MG, Corneil W, Krutop E, Fraess-Phillips A. Work outcomes in public safety personnel after potentially traumatic events: A systematic review. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:387-441. [PMID: 38458612 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well documented that public safety personnel are exposed to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at elevated frequency and demonstrate higher prevalence of trauma-related symptoms compared to the general population. Lesser studied to date are the organizational consequences of workplace PTE exposure and associated mental health outcomes such as acute/posttraumatic stress disorder (ASD/PTSD), depression, and anxiety. METHODS The present review synthesizes international literature on work outcomes in public safety personnel (PSP) to explore whether and how PTE and trauma-related symptoms relate to workplace outcomes. A total of N = 55 eligible articles examining PTE or trauma-related symptoms in relation to work outcomes were systematically reviewed using best-evidence narrative synthesis. RESULTS Three primary work outcomes emerged across the literature: absenteeism, productivity/performance, and costs to organization. Across n = 21 studies of absenteeism, there was strong evidence that PTE or trauma-related symptoms are associated with increased sickness absence. N = 27 studies on productivity/performance demonstrated overall strong evidence of negative impacts in the workplace. N = 7 studies on cost to organizations demonstrated weak evidence that PTE exposure or trauma-related mental health outcomes are associated with increased cost to organization. CONCLUSIONS Based on available evidence, the experience of workplace PTE or trauma-related symptoms is associated with negative impact on PSP occupational functioning, though important potential confounds (e.g., organizational strain and individual risk factors) remain to be more extensively investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Wagner
- Office of the Vice President Research, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole White
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marc White
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trina Fyfe
- Northern Medical Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynda R Matthews
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Randall
- School of Health Sciences & Social Work, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Regehr
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynn E Alden
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas Buys
- School of Health Sciences & Social Work, Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary G Carey
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Wayne Corneil
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences & Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elyssa Krutop
- Aligned Counselling, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Fraess-Phillips
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
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Wolkow AP, Kaldewaij R, Klumpers F, Koch SBJ, Smit A, Drummond SPA, Roelofs K. Pre-trauma sleep difficulties and fatigue predict trauma-induced changes in mental health symptoms in recruit police officers. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115920. [PMID: 38705043 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Wolkow
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; Paramedic Health and Well-being Research Unit, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Reinoud Kaldewaij
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Floris Klumpers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia B J Koch
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Annika Smit
- Police Academy of the Netherlands, Apeldoorn, the Netherlands; University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sean P A Drummond
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karin Roelofs
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Christopher M, Bowen S, Witkiewitz K, Grupe D, Goerling R, Hunsinger M, Oken B, Korecki T, Rosenbaum N. A multisite feasibility randomized clinical trial of mindfulness-based resilience training for aggression, stress, and health in law enforcement officers. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:142. [PMID: 38575888 PMCID: PMC10993469 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Law enforcement officers (LEOs) are exposed to significant stressors that can impact their mental health, increasing risk of posttraumatic stress disorder, burnout, at-risk alcohol use, depression, and suicidality. Compromised LEO health can subsequently lead to aggression and excessive use of force. Mindfulness training is a promising approach for high-stress populations and has been shown to be effective in increasing resilience and improving mental health issues common among LEOs. METHODS This multi-site, randomized, single-blind clinical feasibility trial was intended to establish optimal protocols and procedures for a future full-scale, multi-site trial assessing effects of mindfulness-based resilience training (MBRT) versus an attention control (stress management education [SME]) and a no-intervention control, on physiological, attentional, and psychological indices of stress and mental health. The current study was designed to enhance efficiency of recruitment, engagement and retention; optimize assessment, intervention training and outcome measures; and ensure fidelity to intervention protocols. Responsiveness to change over time was examined to identify the most responsive potential proximate and longer-term assessments of targeted outcomes. RESULTS We observed high feasibility of recruitment and retention, acceptability of MBRT, fidelity to assessment and intervention protocols, and responsiveness to change for a variety of putative physiological and self-report mechanism and outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Results of this multi-site feasibility trial set the stage for a full-scale, multi-site trial testing the efficacy of MBRT on increasing LEO health and resilience, and on decreasing more distal outcomes of aggression and excessive use of force that would have significant downstream benefits for communities they serve. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03784846 . Registered on December 24th, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Christopher
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA.
| | - Sarah Bowen
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, 2001 Redondo S Dr, Albuquerque, NM, 87106, USA
| | - Daniel Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin Madison, 625 West Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Richard Goerling
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Matthew Hunsinger
- School of Graduate Psychology, Pacific University, 190 SE 8thAve, Suite 260, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, USA
| | - Barry Oken
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Tyrus Korecki
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, 1285 Franz Hall, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Nils Rosenbaum
- Behavioral Sciences Department, Albuquerque Police Department, 400 Rome, NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, USA
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Lee SH, Noh JW, Kim KB, Chae JH. The impact of coping strategies and positive resources on post-traumatic stress symptoms among bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1367976. [PMID: 38628257 PMCID: PMC11018955 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1367976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigated the long-term prevalence of, and factors associated with, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster, in which 250 students lost their lives during a school excursion. Methods Eight years after the disaster, 181 family members were surveyed, and the prevalence of clinical PTSD symptoms was estimated. The Positive Resources Test (POREST), the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, and the Brief COPE were evaluated using self-report measures. The multivariable binomial logistic regression was used to identify protective and risk factors for PTSD. Results PTSD symptoms were present in 49.7% of the family members 8 years after the incident. A one-point increase in the score on the optimism subscale of the POREST was associated with a 20.1% decreased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 0.799; p = 0.027; 95% CI = 0.655-0.975). Conversely, a one-point increase in the score on the avoidant subscale of Brief COPE was associated with a 13.2% increased likelihood of having clinical PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.132; p = 0.041; 95% CI = 1.005-1.274). Discussion Our results provide evidence of the need for long-term mental health monitoring of bereaved families of disaster victims, along with valuable insights for the development of mental health intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Won Noh
- Division of Health Administration, College of Software and Digital Healthcare Convergence, Yonsei University, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Beom Kim
- Department of International Healthcare Administration, College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Chae
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Pérez-Romero C, Barrio G, Donat M, Moreno A, Guerras JM, Pulido J, Belza MJ, Regidor E. Heavy Drinking by Occupation in Spain: Differences Between Weekdays and the Weekend. J Community Health 2024; 49:235-247. [PMID: 37839065 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01288-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Estimating occupational disparity in heavy drinking jointly for weekdays and the weekend may be misleading for prevention purposes, because reasons for disparity in both periods may differ. The main objective was to assess occupational disparity in heavy average drinking (HAD) by week period and sex. 42,108 employees aged 16-64 were recruited from national surveys in Spain between 2011 and 2020. The outcome was HAD, defined as daily alcohol intake over 20 g (men) or 10 g (women). Occupation was classified in 15 categories. HAD adjusted prevalence ratios (HAD-aPRs) taking all occupations as reference, and relative adjusted excess prevalences (HAD-aEPs) comparing the weekend to weekdays in each occupation, were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust variance adjusted for sociodemographic and health covariates. The HAD-aPRs comparing each occupation with all occupations ranged 0.63-1.92 on weekdays and 0.65-1.45 on the weekend, with the highest aPRs on weekdays in construction, hospitality and primary-sector workers (1.92-1.62). The weekend-weekdays HAD-aEPs by occupation ranged 2.60-8.33, with the highest values in technicians/administrators, other professionals, teachers and health professionals (8.33-6.44). The global aEP was higher in women (6.04) than in men (3.92), especially in occupations just mentioned (8.70-11.73 in women vs. 3.64-6.32 in men). There was a considerable relative disparity in HAD risk between occupations on weekdays, with the highest risks in certain low-skilled occupations. Such disparity decreased on the weekend. The relative weekend increase in HAD risk was greater in women and in certain high-skilled occupations. This should be considered when designing prevention interventions on harmful drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Pérez-Romero
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, 5 Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gregorio Barrio
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, 5 Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Donat
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, 5 Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Moreno
- Sociology and Social Work Department, Universidad Pública de Navarra, Avenida de Cataluña, 31006, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan-Miguel Guerras
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III Health Institute, 5 Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Pulido
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-José Belza
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, 5 Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Regidor
- Biomedical Research Center Network for Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Public and Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Plaza de Ramón y Cajal, 28040, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of San Carlos (IdISSC), Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Calle Profesor Martín Lagos, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Pires MT, Mourão S, Santos J. Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS). Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:563. [PMID: 38470674 PMCID: PMC10931488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Portuguese population are quite relevant and partially related to their repetitive and disruptive thinking about the disease. The successive periods of lockdown contributed to an additional burden on the family-work-life balance for parents. This study aims to validate the Portuguese version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (PT-OCS), which was developed using a general sample from several regions of the country (n = 531) together with a specific sample of Portuguese parents (n = 109). The confirmatory factor analysis results indicate that the PT-OCS includes a set of excellent psychometric properties concerning both the general sample (χ2(1) = 0.446, p = 0.504; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 1.0; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.003) and the parent group (χ2(2) = 1.816, p = 0.403; CFI = 1.0; GFI = 0.99; RMSEA = 0.0; standardised RMR = 0.016; Bollen-Stine bootstrap p = 0.65). The scale shows very good reliability (0.84 < α/ω < 0.88). As expected, obsession with COVID-19 was highly correlated with COVID-19 anxiety, and women had higher PT-OCS scores. The findings suggest that the PT-OCS is a reliable and valid measure for both persistent and disruptive thinking about COVID-19 in different groups of the Portuguese population, with potential for studying future epidemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Taveira Pires
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Susana Mourão
- Psychology Research Centre (CIP-UAL), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa, 1169-023 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
| | - José Santos
- Beatriz Ângelo Hospital, 2674-514 Loures, Portugal;
- Medicine Faculty, Universidad de Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
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O'Dare K, Mathis A, Tawk R, Atwell L, Jackson D. State Level Policies on First Responder Mental Health in the U.S.: A Scoping Review. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s10488-024-01352-8. [PMID: 38368565 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01352-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence demonstrates potential adverse mental health outcomes associated with exposure to occupational trauma among first responders. In response, policymakers nationwide are eager to work on these issues as evidenced by the number of states covering or considering laws for mental health conditions for first responders. Yet, little information exists to facilitate understanding of the impact of mental health-related policies in the United States on this important population. This study aims to identify and synthesize relevant state-level policies and related research on first responder mental health in the United States. Using a scoping review framework, authors searched the empirical and policy literature. State level policies were identified and grouped into two categories: (1) Workers' Compensation-related policies and (2) non-Workers' Compensation (WC) related policies. While benefits levels and other specifics vary greatly by state, 28 states cover certain first responder mental health claims under WC statutes. In addition, at the time of this study, 28 states have policies governing first responder mental health outside of WC. Policies include requiring mental health assessments, provisions for counseling and critical incident management, requiring education and training, providing funding to localities for program development, bolstering peer support initiatives and confidentiality measures, and establishing statewide offices of responder wellness, among others. Authors found a dearth of outcomes research on the impact of state level policies on first responder mental health. Consequently, more research is needed to learn about the direct impact of legislation and establish best practice guidelines for implementing state policy on first responder mental health. By conducting systematic evaluations, researchers can lay the foundation for an evidence-based approach to develop more integrated systems that effectively deliver and finance mental health care for first responders who experience work-related trauma. Such evaluations are crucial for building an understanding of the impact of policies and facilitating improvements in the support provided to first responders in managing mental health challenges arising from their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie O'Dare
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - Arlesia Mathis
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Rima Tawk
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Leah Atwell
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Deloria Jackson
- Institute of Public Health, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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10
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Santre S. Mental Disorders and Mental Health Promotion in Police Officers. Health Psychol Res 2024; 12:93904. [PMID: 38375073 PMCID: PMC10875161 DOI: 10.52965/001c.93904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The number of police officers suffering from mental illnesses is becoming a significant public health concern. Police officers are more likely to experience mental health problems than the general population. The use of effective mental health promotion programs can assist in reducing police officers' psychological problems. In this paper author reviews existing literature on mental disorders and mental health promotion among police officers. This review emphasizes the importance of mental health promotion and programs in improving police officers' well-being and decreasing mental disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders, risk factors, and negative consequences are explained. Furthermore, examples of programs or interventions to promote mental health, and recommendations for further study are presented. Therefore, this review could be useful in developing intervention program to support police officers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Santre
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences Mahidol University
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Posttraumatic stress disorder in Belgian police officers: prevalence and the effects of exposure to traumatic events. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2156558. [PMID: 37052090 PMCID: PMC9869988 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2156558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Police officers are at considerable risk of developing posttraumatic symptoms because they frequently encounter violent or emotionally disturbing incidents. We investigate experiences with potentially traumatic events (PTE), traumatic exposure, and the prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD and subclinical PTSD in a sample of Belgian police officers.Methods: In total, 1,465 police officers from 15 Belgian Local Police zones participated in a web-based survey, consisting of three segments: evaluating experiences with a list of 29 PTE, assessing if any of these PTE accounted for traumatic exposure, and evaluating 1-month probable PTSD, complex PTSD and subclinical PTSD prevalence using the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ).Results: Police officers frequently experience a wide range of PTE. A large majority of 93.0% reports traumatic exposure. Assessment with ITQ shows a 1-month prevalence of 5.87% for probable PTSD and 1.50% for probable complex PTSD, while an additional 7.58% report subclinical PTSD. No demographic variables influenced PTSD prevalence. Cumulative PTE experiences in itself did not predict PTSD, while the characteristics of certain PTE did entail a higher prevalence of probable PTSD and subclinical PTSD.Discussion: This study is the first to evaluate experiences with PTE, traumatic exposure and 1-month prevalence of probable PTSD, complex PTSD, and subclinical PTSD in Belgian police officers. Police officers are frequently confronted with a broad variety of PTE, and a large majority reports traumatic exposure. The 1-month prevalence of probable PTSD is significantly higher compared to previous international research in the general population, but lower than in similar international research involving police officers. In this study, cumulative PTE experiences in itself did not reliably predict PTSD, while the characteristics of certain PTE did. Posttraumatic symptoms are an important mental health challenge in Belgian police.
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Mitchell KJ, Gewirtz-Meydan A, Finkelhor D, O'Brien JE, Jones LM. The mental health of officials who regularly examine child sexual abuse material: strategies for harm mitigation. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:940. [PMID: 38093256 PMCID: PMC10720046 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05445-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study aims to better understand the mental health and subjective well-being of investigators and forensic examiners exposed to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by examining which components of this work are associated with elevated mental health conditions and decreased well-being, as well as the intra-personal and organizational variables that may mitigate harm and improve well-being. METHODS Police investigators, forensic examiners, and others connected with the criminal justice system from across the United States who were exposed to CSAM as part of their professions (N = 500) completed an anonymous online survey. Participants were recruited through connections with the National Criminal Justice Training Center. RESULTS Duration, frequency, amount, and content of CSAM exposure was not related to poorer mental health with the exception of exposure to violent CSAM which was related to elevated post-traumatic stress symptoms. Several agency-level practices and policies, such as the availability of an Officer Wellness Program and more frequently knowing the final case resolution, were related to better mental health and well-being. Harm mitigation strategies, such as talking to other officers investigating the case and taking breaks from the material being viewed, were also related to better mental health. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that police agencies have options for implementing agency-level procedures and practices that have the potential to reduce the negative impact of CSAM investigations. Additionally, many investigators use strategies that are correlated with greater well-being, suggesting opportunities for improving training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Mitchell
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA.
| | - Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan
- School of Social Work, Faculty of Social Welfare & Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Finkelhor
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - Jennifer E O'Brien
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
- Department of Social Work, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, USA
| | - Lisa M Jones
- Crimes against Children Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
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Baker LD, Ponder WN, Carbajal J, Galusha JM, Hidalgo JE, Price M. Mapping PTSD, depression, and anxiety: A network analysis of co-occurring symptoms in treatment-seeking first responders. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:176-183. [PMID: 37913744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
First responders are at high risk for a range of co-occurring mental health conditions due to their repeated exposure to traumatic events. When first responders present for treatment, their complex presentation of symptoms including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can prove challenging to differentiate for clinical purposes. Network analysis provides a means to identify the nuanced associations between the symptoms of these conditions and to identify groups of related symptoms. In this study, a treatment-seeking sample of first responders (N = 432) completed self-report measures of PTSD, depression, and GAD. Network analysis was used to identify symptom clusters within the sample. Our cross-sectional data yielded six empirically distinct communities: depression symptoms, GAD symptoms, and four communities comprising PTSD symptoms - intrusion and avoidance; irritability and aggression; negative affect; and arousal and sleep. Network associations underscore the heterogeneity of PTSD and also highlight overlapping and diverging symptoms of depression and GAD. These findings are discussed within the context of existing research on first responders, and recommendations for further study and treatment interventions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas D Baker
- Department of Mental Health Service, George E. Wahlen VA Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | | | - Jose Carbajal
- Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, United States
| | | | - Johanna E Hidalgo
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States
| | - Matthew Price
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States
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14
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Posch L, Zube AL. [Experiences of (Potentially) Traumatizing Deployments and Posttraumatic Stress in Police Officers - An Exploratory Survey of Early Career Police Officers]. Psychother Psychosom Med Psychol 2023; 73:441-448. [PMID: 37399832 DOI: 10.1055/a-2087-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of their career police officers are faced with traumatic events on a regular basis and are at a higher risk of developing PTSD compared to the general population. The aim of this study was to examine if and how many early career police officers already experienced potentially traumatizing situations and how many conform to either subsyndromal or complete PTSD criteria. Further subject of interest was if the officers know the concept of psychosocial emergency care for first responders (PSNV-E) and if such support is made use of. METHOD N=221 early career police officers were assessed via an online-survey about their posttraumatic stress symptoms. RESULTS More than half of the participants (n=121) reported having experienced at least one traumatic deployment. PTSD prevalence in this group was at 1.7%, an additional 14.9% showed partial PTSD. One fifth did not know about the PSNV-E concept. CONCLUSION Police officers are confronted with a range of extremely stressful events early in their career leading to first symptoms of PTSD in some of them. Early prevention strategies as well as the identification of those affected for secondary prevention is of very high relevance for long term mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Posch
- Fachbereich Psychologie, Hochschule der Akademie der Polizei Hamburg
| | - Anna-Lena Zube
- Fachbereich Psychologie, Hochschule der Akademie der Polizei Hamburg
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15
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Hansson J, Padyab M. How the availability and adequacy of social support affect the general mental health of Swedish police officers. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1196320. [PMID: 37908822 PMCID: PMC10613646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1196320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Police work is stressful. A protective function against work stress and harm to mental health is social support, either within or outside work. This cross-sectional study analyzes the associations of quantitative (availability) and qualitative (adequacy) aspects of social support with general mental health among Swedish police officers. A total of 728 officers responded to a national survey. Bivariate analyses (t-test and chi square) identified continuous and categorical variables (respectively) statistically significantly associated with sex and social support. Pearson correlation coefficient was provided to indicate the associations between general mental health and different types of social support. Sex-stratified logistic regression modeling calculated crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and assessed the relationships between different types of social support, sociodemographic variables and general mental health. The findings show that low adequacy of attachment is associated with poorer mental health among female officers, although female officers also reported higher availability of both social interaction and attachment compared to male officers. We found an association between low work-related social support and poorer mental health among single male police officers. Moreover, police officers who worked shifts, were younger, had less work experience, and/or had no children reported higher availability of attachment, whereas older police officers reported higher adequacy of social interaction compared to younger police officers. Variation in the quantity and quality of close social relationships seems to be important to mental health. Police organizations need to be aware of this in their efforts to make the work environment more supportive. Social support might create an environment where officers feel more comfortable discussing their mental health concerns and seeking assistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Hansson
- Police Education Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mojgan Padyab
- Police Education Unit, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Center for Demographic and Aging Research (CEDAR), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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16
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Lu YF, Petersen K. Effectiveness of psychological skills training for police personnel: a meta-analysis. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:590-598. [PMID: 37739798 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
There has been an increasing interest in primary prevention programmes developed to improve police officers' mental health. This meta-analysis synthesised the existing findings on psychological skills training for police personnel including resilience training and mindfulness-based training. Particularly, this study systematically assessed the effectiveness of training programmes on mental health outcomes including resilience, depression, anxiety and perceived stress. A comprehensive search of EBSCO, ProQuest and Web of Science was conducted for studies written in English from 1999 to 2022. Two independent researchers screened 5604 studies. Eligible studies are intervention studies with controlled trials that involved training programmes to improve participants' mental health and reported at least one of the following outcomes: resilience, depression, anxiety and perceived stress. The meta-analysis estimated standardised mean differences (SMDs) for each of the four outcomes. A total of 12 studies, involving 2298 police personnel from 8 countries, met the criteria for inclusion and quality assessment. The training programmes of the eligible studies varied in training approaches, duration, total sessions and follow-up periods. The results suggest that training programmes have a statistically significant moderate effect on depression (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI=-0.73 to -0.22) and anxiety (SMD=-0.40, 95% CI=-0.73 to -0.06), while the effects on resilience (SMD=1.03, 95% CI=-0.36 to 2.41) and perceived stress (SMD=-1.03, 95% CI=-2.15 to 0.08) are not statistically significant. This study highlights the role of primary prevention approaches in supporting officers' mental health by showing that training programmes are effective in mitigating the risk of depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fang Lu
- Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Kevin Petersen
- Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
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Santamaria-Garcia H, Sainz-Ballesteros A, Hernandez H, Moguilner S, Maito M, Ochoa-Rosales C, Corley M, Valcour V, Miranda JJ, Lawlor B, Ibanez A. Factors associated with healthy aging in Latin American populations. Nat Med 2023; 29:2248-2258. [PMID: 37563242 PMCID: PMC10504086 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02495-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Latin American populations may present patterns of sociodemographic, ethnic and cultural diversity that can defy current universal models of healthy aging. The potential combination of risk factors that influence aging across populations in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries is unknown. Compared to other regions where classical factors such as age and sex drive healthy aging, higher disparity-related factors and between-country variability could influence healthy aging in LAC countries. We investigated the combined impact of social determinants of health (SDH), lifestyle factors, cardiometabolic factors, mental health symptoms and demographics (age, sex) on healthy aging (cognition and functional ability) across LAC countries with different levels of socioeconomic development using cross-sectional and longitudinal machine learning models (n = 44,394 participants). Risk factors associated with social and health disparities, including SDH (β > 0.3), mental health (β > 0.6) and cardiometabolic risks (β > 0.22), significantly influenced healthy aging more than age and sex (with null or smaller effects: β < 0.2). These heterogeneous patterns were more pronounced in low-income to middle-income LAC countries compared to high-income LAC countries (cross-sectional comparisons), and in an upper-income to middle-income LAC country, Costa Rica, compared to China, a non-upper-income to middle-income LAC country (longitudinal comparisons). These inequity-associated and region-specific patterns inform national risk assessments of healthy aging in LAC countries and regionally tailored public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernando Santamaria-Garcia
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center of Memory and Cognition Intellectus, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio Bogotá, San Ignacio, Colombia.
- Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PhD Program in Neuroscience) Bogotá, San Ignacio, Colombia.
| | | | - Hernán Hernandez
- Latin American Brain Health Institute, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Sebastian Moguilner
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Latin American Brain Health Institute, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Universidad de San Andrés and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcelo Maito
- Latin American Brain Health Institute, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Carolina Ochoa-Rosales
- Latin American Brain Health Institute, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Michael Corley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Victor Valcour
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Memory and Aging Center, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- Centro de Excelencia en Enfermedades Crónicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Lawlor
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Agustin Ibanez
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Latin American Brain Health Institute, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
- Cognitive Neuroscience Center, Universidad de San Andrés and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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18
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Petrie K, Spittal M, Zeritis S, Phillips M, Deady M, Forbes D, Bryant R, Shand F, Harvey SB. Suicide among emergency service workers: a retrospective mortality study of national coronial data, 2001-2017. Psychol Med 2023; 53:5470-5477. [PMID: 36073166 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency service workers (ESW) are known to be at increased risk of mental disorders but population-level and longitudinal data regarding their risk of suicide are lacking. METHOD Suicide data for 2001-2017 were extracted from the Australian National Coronial Information Service (NCIS) for two occupational groups: ESW (ambulance personnel, fire-fighters and emergency workers, police officers) and individuals employed in all other occupations. Age-standardised suicide rates were calculated and risk of suicide compared using negative binomial regression modelling. RESULTS 13 800 suicide cases were identified among employed adults (20-69 years) over the study period. The age-standardised suicide rate across all ESW was 14.3 per 100 000 (95% CI 11.0-17.7) compared to 9.8 per 100 000 (95% CI 9.6-9.9) for other occupations. Significant occupational differences in the method of suicide were identified (p < 0.001). There was no evidence for increased risk of suicide among ESW compared to other occupations once age, gender and year of death were accounted for (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.84-1.17; p = 0.95). In contrast, there was a trend for ambulance personnel to be at elevated risk of suicide (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.00-2.00, p = 0.053). CONCLUSION Whilst age-standardised suicide rates among ESW are higher than other occupations, emergency service work was not independently associated with an increased risk of suicide, with the exception of an observed trend in ambulance personnel. Despite an increased focus on ESW mental health and wellbeing over the last two decades, there was no evidence that rates of suicide among ESW are changing over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Petrie
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Matthew Spittal
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Stephanie Zeritis
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Matthew Phillips
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Mark Deady
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - David Forbes
- Department of Psychiatry, Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Richard Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Samuel B Harvey
- Black Dog Institute, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
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Trompeter N, Fear NT, Greenberg N, Hotopf M, Irizar P, Wessely S, Stevelink SA. Primary Care Consultations Among UK Police Officers and Staff: Links With Adverse Mental Health and Job Strain. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:502-509. [PMID: 36843096 PMCID: PMC10227927 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study examined links between adverse mental health, job strain, and likelihood and frequency of primary care consultations among police employees. METHODS We conducted secondary data analysis on the Airwave Health Monitoring Study data ( n = 33,730). Measures included self-report data on mental health, job strain, job support, and primary care consultations in the past 12 months. Data were analyzed using a zero-inflated Poisson regression framework. RESULTS Findings showed that overall, help seeking was low based on mental health status and job strain. Adverse mental health was associated with more primary care consultations. Police employees with high, active, or passive job strain reported more primary care consultation compared with police employees with low strain. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that more work to reduce stigma of taking the initial step of help seeking would be beneficial.
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20
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The prevalence of cyber dating abuse among adolescents and emerging adults: A meta-analysis. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2023.107726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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21
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Obuobi-Donkor G, Shalaby R, Eboreime E, Agyapong B, Phung N, Eyben S, Wells K, Hilario C, Dias RDL, Jones C, Brémault-Phillips S, Zhang Y, Greenshaw AJ, Agyapong VIO. Text4PTSI: A Promising Supportive Text Messaging Program to Mitigate Psychological Symptoms in Public Safety Personnel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4215. [PMID: 36901235 PMCID: PMC10001524 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Public safety personnel experience various mental health conditions due to their work's complex and demanding nature. There are barriers to seeking support and treatment; hence, providing innovative and cost-effective interventions can help improve mental health symptoms in public safety personnel. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to evaluate the impact of Text4PTSI on depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress-related symptoms, and the resilience of public safety personnel after six months of providing supportive text message intervention. METHODS Public safety personnel subscribed to Text4PTSI and received daily supportive and psychoeducational SMS text messages for six months. Participants were invited to complete standardized self-rated web-based questionnaires to assess depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and resilience symptoms measured on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), and the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), respectively. The assessment of mental health conditions was conducted at baseline (enrolment) and six weeks, three months, and six months after enrollment. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one subscribers participated in the Text4PTSI program, and eighteen completed both the baseline and any follow-up survey. A total of 31 participants completed the baseline survey and 107 total surveys were recorded at all follow-up time points. The baseline prevalence of psychological problems among public safety personnel were as follows: likely major depressive disorder (MDD) was 47.1%, likely generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was 37.5%, low resilience was 22.2%, and likely PTSD was 13.3%. At six months post-intervention, the prevalence of likely MDD, likely GAD, and likely PTSD among respondents reduced; however, a statistically significant reduction was reported only for likely MDD (-35.3%, X2 (1) = 2.55, p = 0.03). There was no significant change in the prevalence of low resilience between baseline and post-intervention. There was a decrease in the mean scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-C, and the BRS from baseline to post-intervention by 25.8%, 24.7%, 9.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. However, the decrease was only statistically significant for the mean change in GAD-7 scores with a low effect size (t (15) = 2.73, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest a significant reduction in the prevalence of likely MDD as well as the severity of anxiety symptoms from baseline to post-intervention for subscribers of the Text4PTSI program. Text4PTSI is a cost-effective, convenient, and easily scalable program that can augment other services for managing the mental health burdens of public safety personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reham Shalaby
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Belinda Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Natalie Phung
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Scarlett Eyben
- Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4, Canada
| | - Kristopher Wells
- Department of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB T5J 4S2, Canada
| | - Carla Hilario
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Raquel da Luz Dias
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Chelsea Jones
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Suzette Brémault-Phillips
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Yanbo Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrew J. Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Vincent Israel Opoku Agyapong
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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Krayer A, Kulhari S, Sharma V, Robinson C. Pathways to Suicide among Police in Rajasthan: Perceptions and Experiences of Police Personnel. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1812. [PMID: 36767180 PMCID: PMC9914206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Evidence regarding the experience and perceptions of police personnel with suicide in South Asia is limited. This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of suicide among police personnel in an Indian state. The focus was on explanations of and reasons for suicide. Methods: We conducted 20 qualitative interviews in 2021 with police of different ranks, guided by a topic guide. The reflexive thematic analysis approach was supported by the use of NVivo 12, a qualitative software package. Results: We explore three intersecting key themes around suicide in the police force, including: (1) the stressful police environment; (2) expectations of mental strength; and (3) police image and help-seeking. We discuss the tensions between these themes and how to address the challenges of supporting police personnel. Conclusions: To support and improve police personnel's mental well-being training and support are needed but also broader changes at the organisational level. These need to take social and historical factors into account. An increased level of suicide and mental health literacy will not only benefit the police force but also the general public, and it would be very timely with recent changes in the Indian mental health and suicide policy context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Krayer
- Centre for Mental Health and Society, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 3YH, UK
| | - Seema Kulhari
- Medical & Health Department, Government of Rajasthan, Rajasthan Police Academy, Jaipur 302016, India
| | - Vimal Sharma
- Personal and Social Services Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9QS, UK
| | - Catherine Robinson
- Personal and Social Services Research Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9QS, UK
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23
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Tahernejad S, Ghaffari S, Ariza-Montes A, Wesemann U, Farahmandnia H, Sahebi A. Post-traumatic stress disorder in medical workers involved in earthquake response: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12794. [PMID: 36685451 PMCID: PMC9850193 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medical workers involved in responding to the earthquake are exposed to frightening scenes and witness dead bodies and severely injured moaning people, predisposing them to multiple mental health consequences. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after earthquakes among medical workers using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and methods The review study was performed following PRISMA guidelines, and the study's protocol was registered in PROSPERO with the code CRD42022333069. The data resources of Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus were searched to specify the related studies. To perform meta-analysis, the random effects model was utilized, and the I2 index was considered to assess heterogeneity between studies. The STATA software was used for data analysis. Results In the initial data resources search, 1399 articles were identified. From these articles, 13 were finally chosen for meta-analysis and quality assessment. The meta-analysis results indicated that the prevalence of post-earthquake PTSD among medical workers involved in the earthquake response was 16.37% (95% CI: 11.63-21.11, I2 = 97.33%, p = 0 < 0.001). Conclusion The medical workers involved in response to the earthquake have a relatively high risk of PTSD in the short and long term. Therefore, medical workers involved in response to disasters should undergo screening for mental health disorders before and after disasters and receive the necessary training with regard to stress management, psychological resilience, and how to express their feelings and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Tahernejad
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sina Ghaffari
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering and Safety at Work, School of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Ulrich Wesemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology, Bundeswehr Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hojjat Farahmandnia
- Health in Disasters and Emergencies Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Sahebi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran,Corresponding author.
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Nourry N, Alsayed Obeid S, Rolling J, Lefebvre F, Baumlin S, Nasseri M, Berna F, Charbotel B, Gonzalez M, Vidailhet P, Mengin AC. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after the 2018 Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack: a comparison of exposed and non-exposed police personnel. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2214872. [PMID: 37305952 PMCID: PMC10262818 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2214872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Police personnel are among the first responders exposed to terrorist attacks, raising in number in the late decades. Due to their profession, they are also exposed to repetitive violence, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD and depression.Objective: Our study aims at comparing the prevalence of PTSD and depression, and the risk factors associated with these conditions among directly and indirectly exposed versus non-exposed police personnel during the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack.Method: Three months after the attack, participants completed a survey assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, occupational data, degree of exposure, sleep debt around the event, event centrality (CES), and three mental health conditions: PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), and suicide risk (yes/no questions).Results: A total of 475 police personnel responded to the questionnaire: 263 were exposed to the attack (182 of them directly) and 212 were non-exposed. Among directly exposed participants, the prevalences of partial and complete PTSD were 12.6 and 6.6%, and the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 11.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that direct exposure was associated with a higher risk of PTSD (OR = 2.98 [1.10-8.12], p = .03). Direct exposure was not associated with a higher risk of depression (OR = 0.40 [0.10-1.10], p = .08). A significant sleep debt after the event was not associated with a higher risk of later PTSD (OR = 2.18 [0.81-5.91], p = .13) but was associated with depression (OR = 7.92 [2.40-26.5], p < .001). A higher event centrality was associated with both PTSD and depression (p < .001).Conclusions: Police personnel directly exposed to the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack were at higher risk of PTSD but not depression. Efforts to prevent and treat PTSD should focus on directly exposed police personnel. However, general mental health should be monitored for every personnel member.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Nourry
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Shadi Alsayed Obeid
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Julie Rolling
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Unité Propre de Recherche 3212 (CNRS UPR 3212), Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences (INCI), Strasbourg, France
| | - François Lefebvre
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Département de Santé Publique, GMRC, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, Illkirch, France
| | - Sandra Baumlin
- Service de Soutien Psychologique opérationnel, Police Nationale, Ministère de l’Intérieur, Préfecture du Bas Rhin, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohamed Nasseri
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Département de Santé Publique, GMRC, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Biostatistique et Informatique Médicale, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Berna
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Barbara Charbotel
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Gustave Eiffel, Lyon Cedex, France
| | - Maria Gonzalez
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Service de Pathologies Professionnelles et Médecine du Travail, Strasbourg, France
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Vidailhet
- Strasbourg University, Faculty of Medicine, Strasbourg, France
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Amaury C. Mengin
- Regional Center for Psychotrauma Great East, Strasbourg, France
- Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictology Department, Strasbourg University Hospital, Strasbourg, France
- INSERM U1114, Cognitive Neuropsychology, and Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia, Strasbourg, France
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White N, Wagner SL, Corneil W, Fraess-Phillips A, Krutop E, Fyfe T, Matthews LR, Randall C, Regehr C, White M, Alden LE, Buys N, Carey MG. Methodological correlates of variability in the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in high-risk occupational groups: A systematic review and meta-regression. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:3-17. [PMID: 36285710 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although numerous studies have reported on PTSD prevalence in high-risk occupational samples, previous meta-analytic work has been severely limited by the extreme variability in prevalence outcomes. METHODS The present systematic review and meta-regression examined methodological sources of variability in PTSD outcomes across the literature on high-risk personnel with a specific focus on measurement tool selection. RESULTS The pooled global prevalence of PTSD in high-risk personnel was 12.1% [6.5%, 23.5%], and was similar to estimates obtained in other meta-analytic work. However, meta-regression revealed that PTSD prevalence differed significantly as a function of measurement tool selection, study inclusion criteria related to previous traumatic exposure, sample size, and study quality. PTSD prevalence estimates also differed significantly by occupational group and over time, as has also been reported in previous work, though exploratory examination of trends in measurement selection across these factors suggests that measurement strategy may partially explain some of these previously reported differences. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight a pressing need to better understand the role of measurement strategies and other methodological choices in characterizing variable prevalence outcomes. Understanding the role of methodological variance will be critical for work attempting to reliably characterize prevalence as well as risk and protective factors for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole White
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shannon L Wagner
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.,Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Corneil
- Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Fraess-Phillips
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elyssa Krutop
- The Centre for Response-Based Practice, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Trina Fyfe
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynda R Matthews
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christine Randall
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Cheryl Regehr
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc White
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lynn E Alden
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicholas Buys
- Menzies Health Institute of Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mary G Carey
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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Brooks SK, Greenberg N. Mental health and wellbeing of border security personnel: scoping review. Occup Med (Lond) 2022; 72:636-640. [PMID: 36315001 PMCID: PMC9805299 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whilst the wellbeing of law enforcement personnel has been widely researched, border security personnel as a discrete group appear to be far less discussed, despite their roles frequently exposing them to potentially traumatic and challenging events such as contact with criminals or witnessing personal tragedies due to trafficking or smuggling. AIMS This scoping review aimed to explore existing literature to better understand the mental health of border security personnel and the factors affecting their wellbeing. METHODS Four electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched for studies relevant to the review's aims. Following the extraction of relevant data from each study, thematic analysis was used to synthesize findings. RESULTS Thirteen studies included relevant data and were included in the review, identifying stressors including poor management; fatigue; negative public attitudes; inadequate staffing levels, resources, and training; poor opportunities for promotion; low pay; work overload; dangerous working environments; and work-related moral dilemmas. CONCLUSIONS The review found that there has been little academic attention paid to border security personnel as a specific branch of law enforcement. Many of the stressors identified in this review are those also reported by law enforcement generally, although negative attitudes from the public and exposure to moral dilemmas appear to be more relevant for border security staff. Directly addressing work-related stress (e.g. by fostering a supportive organizational culture, addressing mental health stigma, and encouraging help-seeking) may be useful in enhancing the resilience of border security personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - N Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London SE5 9RJ, UK
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The effectiveness of psychological interventions for reducing PTSD and psychological distress in first responders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272732. [PMID: 36001612 PMCID: PMC9401173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background First responders are faced with stressful and traumatic events in their work that may affect their psychological health. The current review examined the effectiveness of psychological interventions to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, stress and burnout in first responders. Methods Four databases were searched to identify controlled studies that examined the efficacy of psychological interventions to reduce PTSD symptoms (primary outcome) in first responders (including firefighters, police/law enforcement officers, search and rescue personnel, emergency and paramedics teams). Secondary outcomes were anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress. Results 15 studies were identified, including 10 studies that measured PTSD, 7 studies for anxiety, 10 studies for depression, 7 studies for stress and 1 for burnout. Interventions were associated with a significant reduction in PTSD (SDM = -0.86; 95% CI = -1.34 –- 0.39), depression (SDM = -0.63; 95% CI = -0.94 –-0.32), and anxiety (SDM = -0.38; 95% CI = -0.71 –-0.05) but not stress (SDM = -0.13; 95% CI = -0.51–0.25). CBT-based and clinician-delivered interventions were associated with significantly greater reductions in PTSD than other types of interventions and non-clinician interventions, but no differences were found for depression. There was evidence of moderate to high risk of bias across all studies. Conclusions Psychological interventions are effective in reducing PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms but not stress in first responders. Further research is needed using high quality randomised designs over longer periods of follow-up.
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Interdisciplinary Trauma-focused Therapy and Return-to-work Support for A Police Officer with Work-related PTSD: A Case Study. JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PSYCHOTHERAPY 2022; 52:319-327. [PMID: 35813552 PMCID: PMC9252544 DOI: 10.1007/s10879-022-09547-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Police officers carry a high risk of exposure to traumatic events in their everyday work duties and are at an increased risk for work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Practitioners lack clear guidance on how to support these individuals to facilitate both mental health recovery and return to work, particularly for those receiving treatment in the context of a claim with a workers’ compensation board. The following case study describes the treatment of a female police officer who had experienced numerous traumatic events over the course of her career, and subsequently filed a claim with the workers’ compensation board of British Columbia. She was referred to an interdisciplinary program that involved both psychology and occupational therapy interventions, including a trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy intervention followed by a gradual return to work. The outcome suggests that intensive, interdisciplinary trauma-focused treatment is a promising approach for supporting police officers with their recovery and return to work.
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29
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Elliott-Davies M. COVID-19, distress and potential trauma exposure in the police service of England and Wales: A mixed method approach. THE POLICE JOURNAL: THEORY, PRACTICE AND PRINCIPLES 2022. [PMCID: PMC9234380 DOI: 10.1177/0032258x221109463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study provides an initial exploration into the impact of COVID-19 on the
exposure of police officers to potentially traumatic events and their subsequent
impacts on wellbeing. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered from over
twelve thousand rank-and-file officers across England and Wales in Autumn 2020,
via an online survey. The results not only identify several frequently
experienced COVID-related duties and events that are potentially detrimental to
officer wellbeing; but that these exposures are related to an officer’s rank and
role. These results offer valuable information that may help forces target key
resources towards those that need it most.
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30
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Gibson R, Whealin JM, Dasaro CR, Udasin IG, Crane M, Moline JM, Harrison DJ, Luft BJ, Todd AC, Schechter C, Lowe SM, Feder A, Pietrzak RH. Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in World Trade Center responders: Results from a population-based health monitoring cohort. J Affect Disord 2022; 306:62-70. [PMID: 35283182 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal ideation (SI) is an early risk factor for suicide among disaster responders. To date, however, no known study has examined the prevalence, and pre-, peri-, and post-disaster risk correlates of SI in World Trade Center (WTC) responders, one of the largest disaster response populations in U.S. METHODS The prevalence, and pre-, peri- and post-event correlates of SI were assessed in a population-based health monitoring cohort of 14,314 police responders and 16,389 non-traditional responders (e.g., construction workers) who engaged in response, recovery, and clean-up efforts following the 9/11/2001 terrorist attacks on the WTC. Multivariable analyses were conducted to identify correlates and individual psychiatric symptoms associated with SI in each group. RESULTS A total 12.5% of non-traditional and 2.2% of police WTC responders reported SI. Depression, functional impairment, alcohol use problems, and lower family support while working at the WTC site were associated with SI in both groups of responders. Symptom-level analyses revealed that three symptoms accounted for approximately half of the variance in SI for both groups-feeling bad about oneself, or that one has let down oneself or family; feeling down, depressed, or hopeless; and sense of foreshortened future (44.7% in non-traditional and 71% in police). LIMITATIONS Use of self-report measures and potentially limited generalizability. CONCLUSIONS SI is prevalent in WTC disaster responders, particularly non-traditional responders. Post-9/11 psychiatric symptoms reflecting guilt, shame, hopelessness, and associated functional impairment are most strongly linked to SI, suggesting that interventions targeting these factors may help mitigate suicide risk in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gibson
- Department of Psychology, University of the Hawaii at Hilo, HI, USA.
| | - Julia M Whealin
- VA Pacific Islands Health Care Center, Honolulu, HI, USA; Department of Psychiatry, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Manoa, HI, USA
| | - Christopher R Dasaro
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iris G Udasin
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) Clinical Center, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Crane
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacqueline M Moline
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Northwell Health, Rego Park, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Andrew C Todd
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clyde Schechter
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sandra M Lowe
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert H Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Violanti JM, Fekedulegn D, McCanlies E, Andrew ME. Proportionate mortality and national rate of death from COVID-19 among US law enforcement officers: 2020. POLICING (BRADFORD, ENGLAND) 2022; 45:881-891. [PMID: 37192870 PMCID: PMC10174272 DOI: 10.1108/pijpsm-02-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose – The goal of the present study is to determine the proportionate mortality and national rate of duty-related deaths from COVID-19 among US law enforcement officers during the year 2020. Design/methodology/approach – Data for the current study were obtained from the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) database for the year 2020. The database contains deaths designated as caused by incidents that occurred while in the line of duty. The chi-square test and two-sample t-test were used to compare characteristics of officers who died of COVID-19 versus other causes of death. Both the proportionate mortality and rates of death were calculated. To compute the rate of death, the authors obtained data on the total number of law enforcement officers employed in the United States (and therefore at risk) for the year 2020 from Bureau of Labor Statistics. Findings – COVID-19 deaths (n = 182) accounted for 62% of all duty-related law enforcement officer deaths during 2020. The national rate of death due to COVID-19 (12.8/100,000 per year) for law enforcement officers was higher compared to all other causes of death combined (8.0/100,000 per year). Research limitations/implications – A limitation of the study is the uncertainty of a definitive assessment that the viral infection was acquired through work (versus at home or other non-work-related community settings). Although highly unlikely, deaths designated as duty related entail financial benefits for the survivors and may be a potential source of bias. Given the complexity of personal exposures, the percentage of COVID-19 deaths attributed to duty may represent an over or under estimation of the actual value. Therefore, the data should be interpreted cautiously. Practical implications – These findings provide police organizations with information needed to understand the risk of death among officers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to make informed decisions about future preparedness strategies. Originality/value – There are presently no published scientific studies that examine both the proportionate mortality and national rate of death from COVID-19 among law enforcement officers for the year 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Violanti
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, State University of NY at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Desta Fekedulegn
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Erin McCanlies
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Michael E Andrew
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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Hansen NB, Møller SR, Elklit A, Brandt L, Andersen LL, Pihl-Thingvad J. Are You All right (AYA)? Association of cumulative traumatic events among Danish police officers with mental health, work environment and sickness absenteeism: protocol of a 3-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e049769. [PMID: 35613817 PMCID: PMC9131071 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Police officers are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events at work that increases risk of developing mental health problems, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individual and organisational factors may influence the detrimental effects of cumulative exposure to traumatic events. Occupational stress and lack of organisational support are associated with increased risk of PTSD among police officers. The Are You All right? (AYA) project is a prospective cohort study investigating the cumulative effect of traumatic events at work on mental health problems and absenteeism among police officers. The study also investigates whether potential risk and protective factors modify the association of traumatic events at work with mental health problems and absenteeism. METHOD AND ANALYSIS The AYA-study includes the entire Danish police force. Prospective survey data are collected over a 3-year period beginning in the spring of 2021. Electronic surveys are sent out at baseline with 1-year, 2-year and 3-year follow-up. Further, short surveys are sent out every third month, covering exposure to traumatic events and current mental health status. The survey data are paired with workplace register data on sickness absence. Register data on sickness absence cover the period from 2020 to 2025. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was presented for evaluation at the National Ethics Committee in Denmark (reference number: 20202000-216), but according to Danish legislation, survey studies do not require approval by official Danish scientific or ethical committees. Participation in the project is based on informed consent, and data are handled in accordance with the Danish data legislation (journal number: 20/41457). Results are published in scientific journals and disseminated at international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Beck Hansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sara Rosenbeck Møller
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ask Elklit
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Brandt
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars L Andersen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Jesper Pihl-Thingvad
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense Universitetshospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Faculty of Health Sciences, Odense, Denmark
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Suicide Trends in the Italian State Police during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Comparison with the Pre-Pandemic Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105904. [PMID: 35627441 PMCID: PMC9140429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic is posing an occupational stressor for law enforcement personnel. Therefore, a high priority is the need to quantify this phenomenon and put supportive programs in place. During the pandemic period, the Italian State Police implemented different support programs for the personnel. These included a national toll-free number to provide information on COVID-19 to police staff, availability of a health care service by doctors and nurses at the national level, vaccination services, working remotely, and a psychological intervention protocol called “Together we can” (“Insieme Possiamo”). Our study firstly aims to perform a descriptive analysis of the suicide in the Italian police from 2016 to 2021, and secondly aims to compare the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (February 2020 to October 2021), the suicide rate in the State Police did not significantly increase compared to the pre-pandemic period, showing a stable trend with a not significant decrease in the suicide rate. The implementation of staff support services by the Central Directorate of Health of the Italian State Police and individual resilience aspects of the Police personnel in response to the pandemic may have positively affected the phenomenon. These aspects pave the way to further studies on the issue to improve preventive strategies.
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Brewin CR, Miller JK, Soffia M, Peart A, Burchell B. Posttraumatic stress disorder and complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police officers. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1287-1295. [PMID: 32892759 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720003025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated work-related exposure to stressful and traumatic events in police officers, including repeated exposure to traumatic materials, and predicted that ICD-11 complex PTSD (CPTSD) would be more prevalent than posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of demographic variables on exposure and PTSD were examined, along with whether specific types of exposure were uniquely associated with PTSD or CPTSD. METHODS An online survey covering issues about trauma management, wellbeing and working conditions was disseminated via social media and official policing channels throughout the UK. In total, 10 401 serving police officers self-identified as having been exposed to traumatic events. Measurement of PTSD and CPTSD utilised the International Trauma Questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of PTSD was 8.0% and of CPTSD was 12.6%. All exposures were associated with PTSD and CPTSD in bivariate analyses. Logistic regression indicated that both disorders were more common in male officers, and were associated independently with frequent exposure to traumatic incidents and traumatic visual material, and with exposure to humiliating behaviours and sexual harassment, but not to verbal abuse, threats or physical violence. Compared to PTSD, CPTSD was associated with exposure to humiliating behaviours and sexual harassment, and also with lower rank and more years of service. CONCLUSIONS CPTSD was more common than PTSD in police officers, and the data supported a cumulative burden model of CPTSD. The inclusion in DSM-5 Criterion A of work-related exposure to traumatic materials was validated for the first time. Levels of PTSD and CPTSD mandate enhanced occupational mental health services.
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35
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Civilotti C, Acquadro Maran D, Garbarino S, Magnavita N. Hopelessness in Police Officers and Its Association with Depression and Burnout: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095169. [PMID: 35564562 PMCID: PMC9100122 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hopelessness is a particularly critical condition and a risk factor for suicide. Many studies have reported that this condition is common in some occupations and is associated with high stress that is not properly managed. This study examined the prevalence of hopeless status (HS) in a sample of police officers (POs) and the association of hopelessness with depression, burnout, and suicidality. In total, 127 out of 231 POs participated in the survey; they were assessed with the Beck Hopelessness Scale, the Beck Depression Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A total of 26.5% of POs reported hopelessness, and a significant association was found with depression and burnout; in individual cases, these conditions were associated with suicidal thoughts. In a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for confounding variables, depression, emotional exhaustion, and reduction of personal accomplishment were significantly associated with HP status. Depression (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1–9.12) and emotional exhaustion (OR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.06–3.32) significantly increased the risk of hopelessness, while personal accomplishment (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.32–1) was a protective factor. Hopelessness appears to be a very important factor to consider when assessing POs’ mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Civilotti
- Department of Psychology, Università di Torino, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy;
| | - Daniela Acquadro Maran
- Department of Psychology, Università di Torino, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy;
- WOW-Work and Organizational Wellbeing Research Group, 10124 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DI-14 NOGMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Woman, Child & Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Police officers play an important role in protecting the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their role has posed a serious threat to their physical and psychological health and well-being. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, PTSD and compassion fatigue in police officers and to identify the factors that predict COVID-19-related physical and mental well-being. As part of a regular health surveillance programme, 3863 police officers recorded their physical exposure to COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 had affected their psychological well-being. The study provides suggestions on developing evidence-based well-being interventions for policing.
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Wu Y, Sun IY, Ivkovich SK, Maskaly J, Shen S, Neyroud P. Explaining Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Chinese Police Officers. POLICING: A JOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8499967 DOI: 10.1093/police/paab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Policing can be stressful, especially during public crises such as the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic. Using survey data from 600 police officers in a large city in West China, this study examines the prevalence of police stress increase during the pandemic’s peak month, compared pre-pandemic, and assesses a range of personal and work-related risk and protective factors of police stress. We found that Chinese officers suffered widespread, increased levels of stress during the peak pandemic month. Sources of police stress primarily came from changes in workloads and fear of contracting COVID-19. Perceived effectiveness of agency protection of officers against the COVID-19 risk, sufficient amount of sleep, and increased family time significantly reduced stress. These results bear important research and policy implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Wu
- Yuning Wu, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Ivan Y Sun
- Ivan Y. Sun, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Sanja Kutnjak Ivkovich
- Sanja Ivković Kutnjak, School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jon Maskaly
- Jon Maskaly, Department of Criminal Justice, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58202, USA
| | - Shan Shen
- Shan Shen, School of Public Affairs, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Peter Neyroud
- Peter Neyroud, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 9DA, England
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Impact of Mindfulness Training on Spanish Police Officers' Mental and Emotional Health: a Non-Randomized Pilot Study. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:695-711. [PMID: 35043066 PMCID: PMC8758924 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-01827-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The purpose of this exploratory non-randomized controlled study was to determine the acceptance and effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) co-designed by a police officer. Methods A pretest-posttest control group design was followed. Participants (MBI group = 20; control group = 18) answered baseline and post-training self-reported measures. In addition, the weekly emotional state of the MBI group was collected. Paired-samples t-test and analysis of covariance were performed for pre-post within-group and between-group differences, respectively, as well as linear mixed effects analysis of repeated measures for week-by-week data. Results High acceptance and attendance rates, as well as significant pre-post within-group differences in the MBI group in mindfulness (η2 = 0.43), self-compassion (η2 = 0.43), depression (η2 = 0.54), anxiety (η2 = 0.46), stress (η2 = 0.51), difficulties in emotion regulation, sleep quality (η2 = 0.57), and burnout (η2 = 0.31–0.47), were identified. Moreover, police officers who underwent the MBI experienced a week by week decrease of anger, disgust, anxiety, sadness, and desire. Finally, after adjusting for pre-test scores, significant between-group differences were found in the way of attending to internal and external experiences (observing mindfulness facet; ηp2 = 0.21), depression symptoms (ηp2 = 0.23), general distress (ηp2 = 0.24), and the degree of physical and psychological exhaustion (personal burnout; ηp2 = 0.20). Conclusions The preliminary effectiveness of this MBI on psychopathology and quality of life outcomes in Spanish police officers was discussed. Previous evidence regarding the promising use of MBIs in this population was supported.
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Yi X, Yang J, Gao X, Li F. The relationship between occupational stress, mental health and work ability of coal chemical workers in Xinjiang. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:903534. [PMID: 36061289 PMCID: PMC9433925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.903534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the current working ability of coal chemical workers in Xinjiang, and analyze the impact of occupational stress, mental disorders, and their interaction on work ability. To provide a scientific basis for improving the working ability and quality of life of coal chemical workers. METHODS In this study, a stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey of 1,400 workers in six coal mining enterprises from June to December 2019. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI), the Symptoms Checklist 90 (SCL-90), and the Work Ability Index Scale (WAI) were used to evaluate the level of occupational stress, mental disorders, and the ability to work as coal chemical workers. RESULTS The results showed that WAI scores had statistically significant differences between gender, age, length of service, shift, education, marital status, and monthly income (P < 0.05). The ability to work and its dimensions were inversely correlated with occupational stress, and mental disorders (P < 0.001). Occupational stress and mental disorders are risk factors affecting the ability to work. Workers with high occupational stress* mental disorders (OR = 10.666, 95% CI: 6.443-17.658) are 10.666 times more likely to be at risk for developing poor work ability than low occupational stress* no mental disorders. Structural equation models show that occupational stress and mental health conditions had a direct impact on work ability, and mental health conditions were the mediators of the relationship between occupational stress and work ability. CONCLUSION Occupational stress, mental disorders, and their interaction are risk factors affecting the ability of coal chemical workers to work. Occupational stress can indirectly affect the ability to work through mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Yi
- Department of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Fuye Li
- Department of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
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40
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Steel C, Tehrani N, Lewis G, Billings J. Risk factors for complex posttraumatic stress disorder in UK police. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:351-357. [PMID: 34415342 PMCID: PMC8849141 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Police officers are frequently exposed to distressing and dangerous situations, increasing their risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Research examining C-PTSD in police officers is sparse, particularly examination of the occupational risk factors for trauma symptoms. Aims This study aimed to examine the prevalence and risk factors for PTSD and C-PTSD in UK police officers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using psychological health surveillance data from the UK National Police Wellbeing Service. Police officers were either from high-risk areas of work or had been referred for screening by occupational health practitioners regarding psychological distress. The primary outcome for this study was a positive screening of either PTSD or C-PTSD, measured using the International Trauma Questionnaire. A range of occupational, clinical and lifestyle factors was examined to establish their role as potential risk factors for PTSD and C-PTSD. Results In total, 2444 UK police officers were included, with 89% from high-risk areas of work. A prevalence of 3% for PTSD and 2% for C-PTSD was found in police officers from high-risk areas of work. Higher work stress and lower manager support were found to increase the odds of C-PTSD but not PTSD. Higher personal trauma history increased the risk for PTSD and C-PTSD equally. Conclusions Work-related occupational factors increased the odds of PTSD and C-PTSD in police officers, which could be important risk factors for trauma symptoms within police officers. Efforts should be made to improve the working environment of police officers to help improve their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Steel
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - G Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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41
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Violanti JM, Mnatsakanova A, Gu JK, Service S, Andrew ME. Adverse childhood experiences and police mental health. POLICING (BRADFORD, ENGLAND) 2021; 44:1014-1030. [PMID: 35928169 PMCID: PMC9345510 DOI: 10.1108/pijpsm-06-2021-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine cross-sectional associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among police officers. Design/methodology/approach – The sample was from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study data (132 male and 51 female officers). Standardized surveys were administered to participants. Regression coefficients were obtained from models adjusted for age, sex, race and alcohol intake. All statistical tests were performed using a statistical significance level at p < 0.05. Findings – Regression analyses showed significant positive associations between ACEs and mental health (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]: β = 1.70, p < 0.001 and depressive symptoms: β = 1.29, p < 0.001). Resiliency significantly modified the association between ACEs and PTSD. A positive and significant association was observed among officers with lower resiliency (β = 2.65, p < 0.001). The association between ACEs and PTSD was stronger among male officers compared to females (β = 2.66, p < 0.001 vs. β = 0.59, p ≤ 0.248, respectively). Research limitations/implications – Child abuse and development of PTSD or depression could not be traced through time as this was a cross-sectional study. Recall bias may affect results. Practical implications – PTSD and depression associated with ACEs can affect the interpretation of threat and can exacerbate emotional regulation in officers. An inquiry should be expanded regarding work assignments of victimized officers, such as child exploitation and pornography investigation. Originality/value – There are few studies on ACEs and the mental health of police officers. The present study is among the first to associate multiple police mental health issues with ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Violanti
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Anna Mnatsakanova
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH/CDC, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Ja K Gu
- Biostatistics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH/CDC, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Samantha Service
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH/CDC, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Michael E Andrew
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, NIOSH/CDC, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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42
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Grupe DW, Stoller JL, Alonso C, McGehee C, Smith C, Mumford JA, Rosenkranz MA, Davidson RJ. The Impact of Mindfulness Training on Police Officer Stress, Mental Health, and Salivary Cortisol Levels. Front Psychol 2021; 12:720753. [PMID: 34539521 PMCID: PMC8448191 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Unaddressed occupational stress and trauma contribute to elevated rates of mental illness and suicide in policing, and to violent and aggressive behavior that disproportionately impacts communities of color. Emerging evidence suggests mindfulness training with police may reduce stress and aggression and improve mental health, but there is limited evidence for changes in biological outcomes or the lasting benefits of mindfulness training. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 114 police officers from three Midwestern U.S. law enforcement agencies. We assessed stress-related physical and mental health symptoms, blood-based inflammatory markers, and hair and salivary cortisol. Participants were then randomized to an 8-week mindfulness intervention or waitlist control (WLC), and the same assessments were repeated post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Relative to waitlist control, the mindfulness group had greater improvements in psychological distress, mental health symptoms, and sleep quality post-training, gains that were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Intervention participants also had a significantly lower cortisol awakening response (CAR) at 3-month follow-up relative to waitlist control. Contrary to hypotheses, there were no intervention effects on hair cortisol, diurnal cortisol slope, or inflammatory markers. In summary, an 8-week mindfulness intervention for police officers led to self-reported improvements in distress, mental health, and sleep, and a lower CAR. These benefits persisted (or emerged) at 3-month follow-up, suggesting that this training may buffer against the long-term consequences of chronic stress. Future research should assess the persistence of these benefits over a longer period while expanding the scope of outcomes to consider the broader community of mindfulness training for police. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov#NCT03488875.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonah L Stoller
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Chad McGehee
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Chris Smith
- Academy for Mindfulness, Glendale, WI, United States
| | - Jeanette A Mumford
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Melissa A Rosenkranz
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Richard J Davidson
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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43
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Biggs C, Tehrani N, Billings J. Brief trauma therapy for occupational trauma-related PTSD/CPTSD in UK police. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:180-188. [PMID: 34273165 PMCID: PMC8378775 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Police are frequently exposed to occupational trauma, making them vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health conditions. Through personal and occupational trauma police are also at risk of developing Complex PTSD (CPTSD), associated with prolonged and repetitive trauma. Police Occupational Health Services require effective interventions to treat officers experiencing mental health conditions, including CPTSD. However, there is a lack of guidance for the treatment of occupational trauma. AIMS To explore differences in demographics and trauma exposure between police with CPTSD and PTSD and compare the effectiveness of brief trauma-focused therapy between these diagnostic groups. METHODS Observational cohort study using clinical data from the Trauma Support Service, providing brief trauma-focused therapy for PTSD (cognitive behavioural therapy/eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) to UK police officers. Demographics, trauma exposure, baseline symptom severity and treatment effectiveness were compared between police with PTSD and CPTSD. Changes in PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms were used to measure treatment effectiveness. RESULTS Brief trauma therapy reduced symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. Treatment effectiveness did not differ between CPTSD and PTSD groups. Police with CPTSD exposed to both primary and secondary occupational trauma had poorer treatment outcomes than those exposed to a single occupational trauma type. CONCLUSIONS Brief trauma-focused interventions are potentially effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety in police with CPTSD and PTSD. Further research is needed to establish whether additional CPTSD symptoms (affect dysregulation, self-perception and relational difficulties) are also reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Biggs
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - N Tehrani
- Noreen Tehrani Associates, Twickenham, UK
| | - J Billings
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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44
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Chen S, Grupe DW. Trait Mindfulness Moderates the Association Between Stressor Exposure and Perceived Stress in Law Enforcement Officers. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:2325-2338. [PMID: 34377216 PMCID: PMC8339391 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To test the magnitude of the relationship between self-reported stressor exposure and perceived stress in police officers using a novel measure of daily work events, and whether dispositional mindfulness and resilience moderate this relationship. Methods A total of 114 law enforcement officers from a mid-sized Midwestern US city completed daily logs of job stressors and associated perceived stress, as well as additional self-report measures of perceived stress, trait mindfulness and resilience, and demographics and work information. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to cluster job stressors into a smaller number of components in a data-driven manner. Linear mixed-effects models were used to test the relationship between stressor exposure and perceived stress for each component, and the moderation of this relationship by trait mindfulness and resilience. Results The PCA categorized stressor exposure into three components: (1) acute or traumatic line-of-duty stressors, (2) routine daily stressors, and (3) interpersonal stressors. Results of mixed models showed robust positive relationships between self-reported stressor exposure and corresponding perceived stress across all 3 components. Dispositional mindfulness (but not resilience) moderated the association between stressor exposure and perceived stress for routine stressors, such that individuals with higher dispositional mindfulness showed a relatively attenuated relationship between exposure to routine daily stressors and resulting perceived stress. Conclusions Police officers high in dispositional mindfulness may experience daily routine stressors as less stressful, which can reduce the accumulation of general stress in the long term and which could help buffer against negative health outcomes associated with perceived stress. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03488875 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01707-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition & Personality, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715 China
| | - Daniel W Grupe
- Center for Healthy Minds, University of WI-Madison, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 USA
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45
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Njiro BJ, Ndumwa HP, Msenga CJ, Kawala T, Matola E, Mhonda J, Corbin H, Ubuguyu O, Likindikoki S. Depression, suicidality and associated risk factors among police officers in urban Tanzania: a cross-sectional study. Gen Psychiatr 2021; 34:e100448. [PMID: 34222794 PMCID: PMC8204155 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2020-100448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO has classified depression as a disease of public concern. Police officers are a particular subpopulation group that is at an increased risk for mental health problems. This study examined the prevalence of depression, suicidality and associated risk factors among police officers in urban Tanzania. AIMS The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression, suicidality and associated risk factors among police officers in Tanzania. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2019 and October 2020 among 550 participants in Dar es Salaam recruited using a multistage cluster sampling technique. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to screen for depression and suicidality. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List-12 tool was used to measure perceived social support. Descriptive statistics were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to establish associations between predictors of interest, depression and suicidality. RESULTS There were 497 participants in the study. Of these, 76.6% (376 of 491) were men, and the median (IQR) age was 37.0 (17) years. Around 19.8% (96 of 486) of the police officers screened positive for depression and 15.4% (75 of 413) for suicidality. A significant proportion was either moderately (29 of 96, 30.2%) or severely depressed (8 of 75, 10.7 %). Of those who experienced suicidal thoughts, 10.7% (8 of 75) reported having daily suicidal thoughts. Perceiving low social support was associated with an increased risk of reporting depression (adjusted OR (aOR): 28.04, 95% CI: 8.42 to 93.37, p<0.001) and suicidality (aOR: 10.85, 95% CI: 3.56 to 33.08, p<0.001) as compared with those with high perceived social support. CONCLUSION The magnitude of depression and suicidality among police officers in urban Tanzania is alarmingly high. The study findings indicate the need for routine screening for depression and suicidality among police officers and design appropriate mental health responsive services in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Jackson Njiro
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Harrieth Peter Ndumwa
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | | | - Thomas Kawala
- Medical Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Ezekiel Matola
- Medical Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Juhudi Mhonda
- Medical Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Hillary Corbin
- Medical Unit, Tanzania Police Force, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Omary Ubuguyu
- National NCD Prevention and Control Program, Ministry of Health, Community, Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dodoma, Tanzania, United Republic of
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of
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46
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Nevels TL, Burch JB, Wirth MD, Ginsberg JP, McLain AC, Andrew ME, Allison P, Fekedulegn D, Violanti JM. Shift Work Adaptation Among Police Officers: The BCOPS Study. Chronobiol Int 2021; 38:907-923. [PMID: 33781135 PMCID: PMC8262273 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2021.1895824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined shiftwork adaptation among police officers or potential differences in disease biomarkers among adapted and maladapted shiftworkers. This study characterized shiftwork adaptation among 430 police officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress (BCOPS) study. Police officers working fixed night shifts with symptoms characteristic of adaptation and maladaptation were identified using latent class analysis (n = 242). Two approaches were applied, one with police-specific symptoms and another using more general symptoms as shiftwork adaptation indicators. Biomarkers of inflammation, heart rate variability, and cardiometabolic risk were then compared between shiftwork adaptation groups, and with officers working day shifts, after adjusting for confounding. When analyses included police-specific symptoms, maladapted shiftworkers (n = 73) had more self-reported stress, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and less social support than adapted shiftworkers (n = 169). Using more general symptoms, maladapted officers (n = 56) reported more stress and depression, and less social support than adapted officers (n = 186). In police-specific models, adjusted (least-squares) means (± standard error) of circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations in maladapted officers (0.8 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml]) were modestly elevated relative to adapted shiftworkers (0.7 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml], p = .09) and relative to permanent day workers (0.5 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml], p ≤ 0.01), and leptin levels in maladapted officers (9.6 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml]) exceeded those in the adapted (9.4 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml], p ≤ 0.01) and day shift groups (9.4 ± 0.1 ln[pg/ml], p = .03). In the general model, adjusted mean tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations among maladapted officers (5.6 ± 0.23 pg/ml) exceeded the adapted (4.8 ± 0.2 pg/ml, p ≤ 0.01) and day workers (5.0 ± 0.2 pg/ml, p = .04), and insulin among maladapted officers was higher (2.4 ± 0.1 ln[uu/ml]) than the adapted group (1.8 ± 0.1 ln[uu/ml], p = .03). No differences were observed for the other biomarkers. The results suggest that maladaptation among police officers working fixed night shifts may lead to increases in leptin, insulin, IL-6, and TNF-α; however, the cross-sectional design and possible residual confounding preclude interpretation of cause and effect. Prospective studies are planned to further characterize the relationship between shiftwork maladaptation and biomarkers of chronic disease risk in this police officer cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torrance L. Nevels
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Dorn Research Institute, WJB Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Interservice-Physician Assistant Program, MEDCoE, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston,, Texas, USA
| | - James B. Burch
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Dorn Research Institute, WJB Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Michael D. Wirth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - JP Ginsberg
- Dorn Research Institute, WJB Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander C. McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Michael E. Andrew
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Penelope Allison
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Desta Fekedulegn
- Bioanalytics Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - John M. Violanti
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Trauma and Mental Health Awareness in Emergency Service Workers: A Qualitative Evaluation of the Behind the Seen Education Workshops. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094418. [PMID: 33919279 PMCID: PMC8122678 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Emergency service workers (ESWs) are at high risk of experiencing poor mental health, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Programs led by ex-service organizations may play an unrecognized but critical role in mental health prevention and promotion. Behind the Seen (BTS) is an Australian ex-service organization that runs workshops to raise awareness and facilitate conversations around the mental health of ESWs. The purpose of the study is to conduct a qualitative evaluation of workshop participants’ experiences, to understand the acceptability and perceived usefulness over the immediate- (within 1 month), intermediate- (6 months) and longer-terms (12 months). Participants (n = 59 ESWs) were recruited using purposive sampling across five fire and rescue services in metropolitan, regional, and rural locations. Focus groups methodology was used for data collection and data were analyzed using iterative categorization techniques. Participants reported (i) a high perceived need for education about PTSD, (ii) highly salient aspects of the presentation that made for a positive learning experience, including the importance of the lived experiences of the facilitators in the learning process, (iii) key features of changes to intentions, attitudes, and behavior, and (iv) major aspects of the organizational context that affected the understanding and uptake of the program’s key messages. BTS was perceived as an acceptable means of delivering mental health, PTSD, and help-seeking information to ESWs. The program is a promising candidate for scaling-up and further translation.
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Barboza-Palomino M, Carbajal-León C, Heredia-Mongrut J, Gallegos M, Vilca LW, de Castro Pecanha V. The Effects of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of the Peruvian Police and Armed Forces. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/10839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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LaMontagne AD, Martin AJ, Page KM, Papas A, Reavley NJ, Noblet AJ, Milner AJ, Keegel T, Allisey A, Witt K, Smith PM. A cluster RCT to improve workplace mental health in a policing context: Findings of a mixed-methods implementation evaluation. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:283-295. [PMID: 33373048 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a cluster randomized trial of a workplace mental health intervention in an Australian police department. The intervention was co-designed and co-implemented with the police department. Intervention elements included tailored mental health literacy training for all members of participating police stations, and a leadership development and coaching program for station leaders. This study presents the results of a mixed-methods implementation evaluation of the trial. METHODS Descriptive quantitative analyses characterized the extent of participation in intervention activities, complemented by a qualitative descriptive analysis of transcripts of 60 semistructured interviews with 53 persons and research team field notes. RESULTS Participation rates in the multicomponent leadership development activities were highly variable, ranging from <10% to approximately 60% across stations. Approximately 50% of leaders and <50% of troops completed the mental health literacy training component of the intervention. Barriers to implementation included rostering challenges, high staff turnover and changes, competing work commitments, staff shortages, limited internal personnel resources to deliver the mental health literacy training, organizational cynicism, confidentiality concerns, and limited communication about the intervention by station command or station champions. Facilitators of participation were also identified, including perceived need for and benefits of the intervention, engagement at various levels, the research team's ability to create buy-in and manage stakeholder relationships, and the use of external, credible leadership development coaches. CONCLUSIONS Implementation fell far short of expectations. The identified barriers and facilitators should be considered in the design and implementation of similar workplace mental health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D. LaMontagne
- Institute for Health Transformation, and School of Health & Social Development Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Angela J. Martin
- Menzies Institute for Medical Research and the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics University of Tasmania Hobart Tasmania Australia
| | - Kathryn M. Page
- Institute for Health Transformation, and School of Health & Social Development Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Alicia Papas
- Institute for Health Transformation, and School of Health & Social Development Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Nicola J. Reavley
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Andrew J. Noblet
- Deakin Graduate School of Business Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Allison J. Milner
- Institute for Health Transformation, and School of Health & Social Development Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Tessa Keegel
- Department of Human Biosciences and Public Health, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors Latrobe University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Amanda Allisey
- Deakin Graduate School of Business Deakin University Geelong Victoria Australia
| | - Katrina Witt
- Orygen and the Centre for Youth Mental Health The University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Peter M. Smith
- Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Institute for Work & Health Toronto Ontario Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto Ontario Canada
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Carbajal-León C, Heredia-Mongrut J, Gallegos M, Portillo N, Reyes-Bossio M, Barboza-Palomino M. Obsession with Covid-19 in Peruvian police and armed forces: Validation of the obsession with Covid-19 Scale in Spanish using SEM and IRT models. DEATH STUDIES 2021; 46:2145-2155. [PMID: 33764854 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1900453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) in 214 police and members of the armed forces (Mage = 29.33 years, SD = 11.28). The one-dimensionality and satisfactory reliability of OCS were confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis, Item Response Theory analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and McDonald's omega. The scale is useful for identifying individuals with low levels of persistent and disturbing thoughts about COVID-19. COVID-19 obsession was associated with COVID-19 fear, anxiety, and depression. The OCS is suitable for investigating the psychological impact of COVID-19 on members of the police and armed forces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lindsey W Vilca
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
| | | | - José Heredia-Mongrut
- Unidad de Tutoría Universitaria en la Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanismo, Universidad Privada de Tacna, Tacna, Perú
| | - Miguel Gallegos
- Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nelson Portillo
- Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - Mario Reyes-Bossio
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Lima, Perú
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