Injuries caused by work-related violence: frequency, need for medical treatment and associations with adverse mental health and alcohol use among Finnish police officers.

BACKGROUND

We examined the associations of the frequency and the need for medical treatment caused by work-related violence with adverse mental health among Finnish police officers (n = 1,734).

METHODS

The data were collected via a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Employees who had suffered more than one injury were at a 4.86-fold risk (95% CI = 2.72-8.66) of increased alcohol consumption, a 4.40-fold risk (95% CI = 2.87-6.76) of psychological distress symptoms, and a 2.49-fold risk (95% CI = 1.73-3.59) of fear of future violence compared to those who had suffered no injuries. Among those who had suffered injuries (n = 843), the need for medical treatment when injured was associated with a 2.33-fold risk (95% CI = 1.19-4.57) of psychological distress symptoms and with a 2.09-fold risk (95% CI = 1.08-4.03) of fear of future violence when compared to those who did not need medical care for their injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Among police officers, high frequency and the need for medical treatment of injuries is associated with an increased risk of adverse mental health. High frequency of injuries may also increase alcohol consumption among police officers.