Association between health-related fitness, perceived stress, and metabolic syndrome prevalence in a sample of law enforcement officers

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-274
Author(s):  
Benjamin Chase ◽  
Timothy Brusseau ◽  
Ryan Burns ◽  
James Hannon ◽  
Hester Henderson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Linear Relationship ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Health Related

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association between components of metabolic syndrome with health-related fitness (HRF) and perceived stress in a sample of law enforcement officers.Design/methodology/approachLaw enforcement officers (N = 28) from the Mountain West region of the US reported their HRF scores (1.5 mile run, push-up, and sit-ups), had their blood drawn (glucose, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) and had their waist circumference and blood pressure measured in a fasted state. Officers also completed a short questionnaire to assess health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) and both the Organizational and Operational Police Stress Questionnaires (PSQ-Org, PSQ-Op).FindingsLinear regression models revealed a positive linear relationship between glucose levels and 1.5 mile run times (beta = 0.560, p = 0.021, R2 = 0.24). A bivariate positive linear relationship between waist circumference and 1.5 mile run times was found to be significant (R2 = 0.17, p = 0.041). For every minute increase in 1.5-mile run times, PSQ-Org scores significantly increased by 0.543 standard deviations (p = 0.022) with 25% of the variance explained (R2 = 0.25). There were no statistically significant parameter estimates from the logistic regression equations when dependent variables were treated on the categorical measurement scale using recommended cut-points.Research limitations/implicationsIn conclusion, those who performed better on the 1.5 mile run were more likely to have lower fasting glucose levels, experience less stress and have a smaller waist circumference.Practical implicationsTherefore, according to these findings, it is imperative for those in law enforcement to improve their cardiorespiratory endurance to minimize stress and reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome.Originality/valueThis research is novel according to a recent PubMed search using the keywords “law enforcement,” “Metabolic Syndrome” and “fitness testing.”

Hidden danger

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 330-344
Author(s):  
John M. Violanti ◽  
Desta Fekedulegn ◽  
Mingming Shi ◽  
Michael E. Andrew
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Wellness Programs ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Rate Frequency

PurposeLaw enforcement is a dangerous profession not only due to assaults, accidents and homicides but also due to health risks. This study examined trends in the national frequency and rate of law enforcement job-related illness deaths in the United States over a 22-year period (1997–2018).Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) on death frequencies related to health issues at work. Death rates were based on the total number of police officers in the United States [rate = (frequency/population at risk) × 100,000]. Trends were examined using standardized regression.FindingsA total of 646 deaths were attributed to job-related illness. There was a significant upward trend in overall job-related illness deaths (frequency analyses: β = 0.88, p < 0.0001; rate analyses: β = 0.82, p ≤ 0.0001) mainly driven by a significant increase in 911 cancer deaths (frequency analyses: β = 0.88, p < 0.0001; rate analyses: β = 0.88, p ≤ 0.0001). Nearly 82 percent of circulatory deaths were from a heart attack, with an average death age of 46.5 years.Research limitations/implicationsDeaths were not included if they failed to meet medical requirements of the NLEOMF. The data are descriptive, do not estimate risk and should be interpreted cautiously.Practical implicationsPolice wellness programs may help to reduce the danger of deaths associated with job-related illness.Originality/valueThis is among the first studies to examine frequency and rate of police health–related deaths due to job exposures.

The feasibility of using real-time, objective measurements of physiological stress among law enforcement officers in Dallas, Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-710
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Reingle Gonzalez ◽  
Katelyn K. Jetelina ◽  
Stephen A. Bishopp ◽  
Melvin D. Livingston ◽  
Rodolfo A. Perez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Unintentional Injury ◽  
Police Training ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adverse Health Outcomes ◽  
Increased Risk

Purpose Law enforcement officers (LEOs) suffer from premature mortality, intentional and unintentional injury, suicide and are at an increased risk for several non-communicable disease outcomes including cardiovascular disease and several cancers, compared to those employed in other occupations. Repeated exposure to stressful and traumatic stimuli is a possible mechanism driving these adverse health outcomes among LEOs. To better identify the sources of these health problems, the purpose of this paper is to determine the feasibility of conducting a cohort study using physiological measures of stress (e.g. heart rate) with LEOs; perceptions of the FitBit device, including LEO buy-in and attitudes associated with the protocol. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from ten recent graduates of the Dallas Police Training Academy. Findings Results suggest that officer buy-in and protocol compliance was high. Officers were eager to participate in this study, and completion of weekly surveys was 100 percent. Minute-level missing data from wearable devices was relatively low (25 percent), and 90 percent of participants wore the FitBit devices on more than 90 percent of study days. Originality/value Results from this study suggest that wearable physiological devices can be effectively used in law enforcement populations to measure stress.

scholarly journals Metabolic syndrome increases COVID-19-related mortality in the UK Biobank sample

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Morys ◽  
Alain Dagher
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Related Mortality

AbstractPrevious studies link obesity and individual components of metabolic syndrome to increased hospitalisations and death rates of patients with COVID-19. Here, in two overlapping samples of over 1,000 individuals from the UK Biobank we investigate whether metabolic syndrome, and its constituent components, increased waist circumference, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and systemic inflammation, are related to increased COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. Using logistic regression and controlling for confounding variables such as socioeconomic status, age, sex or ethnicity, we find that individuals with pre-existing metabolic syndrome (measured on average eleven years prior to 2020) have an increased risk for COVID-19-related death (odds ratio 1.67). We also find that specific factors contributing to increased mortality are serum glucose levels, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference.

scholarly journals The Brown Algae Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum Reduce Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors: A Clinical Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1801301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara De Martin ◽  
Daniela Gabbia ◽  
Maria Carrara ◽  
Nicola Ferri
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
Ascophyllum Nodosum ◽  
Fucus Vesiculosus ◽  
Homa Index ◽  
Insulin Levels ◽  
Glucose Levels

Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum have been traditionally used for the treatment of obesity and several gastrointestinal diseases. We have recently demonstrated that the phytocomplex obtained from these algae (Gdue™) controls postprandial glucose levels in a mouse model of steatohepatitis, a condition often associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We analyzed the effect of Gdue™ on HOMA index, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in overweight or obese subjects. Waist circumference decreased significantly after 6 months of treatment (112 ± 17 at t0 vs 105 ± 13 cm after 6 months of treatment; p<0.0001). Both blood glucose and insulin levels were significantly reduced after 6 months of treatment with Gdue™ (110 ± 15 at t0 vs 98 ± 15 mg/dL after 6 months for glucose; p<0.0001; 22.6 ± 9.5 at t0 vs 17.8 ± 8.6 μU/mL after 6 months for insulin; p<0.05). Accordingly, HOMA index decreased significantly (6.103 ± 2.548 at t0 vs 4.419 ± 2.382 after 6 months; p<0.01), suggesting an improvement of insulin sensitivity status. This phytocomplex represents a useful dietary supplement for controlling relevant metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as waist circumference, fasting insulin and glucose levels.

scholarly journals Deceiving suspects about the content of their alibis: consequences for truthful and untruthful suspects

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Sauerland ◽  
Svenja Mehlkopf ◽  
Alana C Krix ◽  
Anna Sagana
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Natural Occurrence ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Professional Groups ◽  
The Past ◽  
Low Profile ◽  
Interrogation Techniques ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test how modifying one’s alibi statement interacts with exposure to deceptive interrogation techniques. Design/methodology/approach – In all, 90 participants walked about a university building for 15 minutes and either stole an envelope from a staff pigeonhole (guilty condition) or put the envelope there along the way (innocent condition). Subsequently, participants were asked to provide an alibi for the past 15 minutes. Guilty and half of the innocent participants were instructed to omit that they had been in the vicinity of the pigeonholes. The rest of the innocent participants were asked to tell the truth. Several days later, participants were questioned about six statements taken from their alibis, three of which contained altered information. Findings – As expected, participants were largely blind to our alterations, with detection rates ranging from 1 to 36 percent. Contrary to cognitive load predictions, detection rates did not vary as a function of truthfulness. Rather, guilty participants were less likely to detect alterations than innocents. Research limitations/implications – Memory distrust and guilty suspects’ aim to keep a low profile might be possible explanations for these findings. Practical implications – It is recommended that law enforcement officers and other legal practitioners refrain from using deceptive interrogation techniques and such techniques that can cause inconsistencies in suspects’ reports. Researcher should make it their task to educate these professional groups about the natural occurrence of memory related, non-deceptive inconsistencies in successive statements. Originality/value – This research uses a new methodology to study the effect of deceptive interrogation techniques on both innocent and guilty suspects. The findings are relevant for legal practitioners and researchers.

Law enforcement officers and Employee Assistance Programs

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Donnelly ◽  
Colby Valentine ◽  
Karen Oehme
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The toll of the stresses of policing on officers’ physical and mental health and on their individual work and family functioning has been well documented in the literature. Given the well-established consequences of work-related stress on law enforcement, it becomes important to understand how officers are utilizing institutional support systems. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to elucidate the relationship between officers and Employee Assistant Programs (EAPs). Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected from surveys attached to an online officer training targeting domestic violence in law enforcement families in a large southern state. Findings – A total of n=934 participants were retained for analyses. Few respondents (16.2 percent) reported accessing their EAPs. Totally, 56.4 percent reported knowing enough about their EAP and how to access it; 33 percent of participants would not use their EAPs for domestic violence concerns. No significant differences among officers who did and did not access their EAPs for workplace stress, posttraumatic stress, alcohol use, or domestic violence were identified. Significant differences in alcohol use, posttraumatic stress, and operational stress were identified in those who reported not knowing enough about how to access their EAP. Practical implications – Concrete suggestions are offered to help increase officers’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of mental health and EAPs. Agencies should consider a more comprehensive approach to mental health to ensure that officers get the help they need. Originality/value – Very little is known about the relationship that law enforcement officers have with EAP services. This study sheds light on some important differences in work-related stress, stress reactions, and knowledge and familiarity with EAP services.

scholarly journals Law enforcement officers ' risk perceptions toward on-duty motor-vehicle events

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope M. Tiesman ◽  
Rebecca J. Heick ◽  
Srinivas Konda ◽  
Scott Hendricks
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Motor Vehicle ◽  
Law Enforcement Officers ◽  
Motor Vehicle Crash ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

Purpose – Motor-vehicle-related events (MVEs) are the leading cause of on-duty death for law enforcement officers, yet little is known about how officers view this significant job hazard. The purpose of this paper is to explore officers’ motor-vehicle risk perception and examine how prior on-duty MVEs and the death or injury of a fellow officer influences this perception. Design/methodology/approach – A state-wide random sample of 136 law enforcement agencies was drawn using publically accessible databases, stratified on type and size of agency. In total, 60 agencies agreed to participate and a cross-sectional questionnaire was distributed to 1,466 officers. Using six-point Likert scales, composite scores for motor-vehicle and intentional violence risk perception were derived. A linear regression multivariable model was used to examine factors affecting motor-vehicle risk perception. Findings – Motor-vehicle risk perception scores were significantly higher than intentional violence scores. A prior on-duty motor-vehicle crash, prior roadside incident, or knowledge of fellow officer’s injury or death from a MVE significantly increased motor-vehicle risk perception scores. After controlling for potential confounders though, only prior on-duty crashes and roadside incidents impacted motor-vehicle risk perception. Research limitations/implications – The study comprised primarily small, rural agencies and generalizability may be limited. Also, although the data were collected anonymously, reporting and response biases may affect these findings. Originality/value – This study involved a large and diverse cohort of officers and explored motor-vehicle risk perception. A better understanding of officers’ risk perceptions will assist in the development and implementation of occupational injury prevention programs, training, and policy.

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