Research in Medicine

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Background: Occupational stress is defined as inconsistency between occupational demands and individuals abilities, capabilities, and wishes. Occupational stress leads to different physical, mental, and behavioral outcomes and complications. Police officers, due to the nature and characteristics of their job, confront various stressors. This study has been designed in order to identify the frequency of occupational stress in police officers working in Tehran. Materials and methods: In a cross-sectional study, we identified the frequency of job stress in 250 police officers in Tehran. For measuring the degree of stress, we used police officer stressor factors index and Pickle Scaling of life events questionnaire as well as General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) for measuring the mental health status. Results: There was a significant correlation between mental health and occupational stress and life events. Additionally occupational stress and life events are predictive variables for mental health. There was no difference between white-collar personnel and blue-collars (disciplinary or administrative personnel) regarding the mental health and personality type, however, administrative personnel experience higher degree of occupational stress. Meanwhile, shift workers and married personnel experience higher degree of occupational stress versus day workers and single personnel, respectively. Conclusion: Psychological test, i.e., personality type questionnaire, should be applied within pre-employment exams in order to reduce stress in police officers. Periodical examination and psychological consultations are also helpful.

Keywords: Occupational stress, Mental health, Police officer, Stressors.

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