Abstract

SOUZA, Edinilsa Ramos de; MINAYO, Maria Cecília de Souza; SILVA, Juliana Guimarães e  and  PIRES, Thiago de Oliveira. Factors associated with psychological distress among military police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.7, pp. 1297-1311. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2012000700008.

This study investigates factors associated with psychological distress among military police (n = 1,120) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The article describes their social, economic, and demographic characteristics, quality of life, mental health, and work conditions. Measurement of psychological distress used the Self-Reported Questionnaire. Analysis of associations used logistic regression, considering factors associated with psychological distress. The results indicate an association between psychological distress and factors such as ability to react to difficult situations, dissatisfaction with life, health problems (especially digestive, nervous, and musculoskeletal symptoms), and adverse work conditions such as excessive workload, constant stress, and victimization. The article concludes by highlighting the need for health promotion interventions for the military police, focusing especially on their mental health.

Keywords : Psychological Stress; Police; Mental Health.