Health Behaviour of Police Officers in Relation to Hypertension. Observations from a Hungarian County

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the health behavior of those who are treated for high blood pressure among law enforcement officers, compared to those who are not under treatment for high blood pressure. Methodology: In Hungary, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among those serving in the County of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg. This is the publication of partial results of a study carried out in the framework of a comprehensive health behavior survey. Findings: The number of items in the sample is 1,719. 11.40% were treated for hypertension. There is a significant difference in gender (χ2= 3.979; p=0.047). The highest proportion of people with hypertension is among those with a secondary school leaving certificate (18.8%). The lowest prevalence is among university graduates (9.1%). Education level is significantly associated with hypertension (χ2=17.013; p=0.004). There is a very strong significant association between length of time in service and hypertension (χ2=83.204; p= 0.000). The proportion of people with hypertension increases steadily with the length of service. No significant differences were found for work schedule, smoking, alcohol consumption or physical activity. When examining the relationship between social support and hypertension, there is a significant difference between grandparent support and parent support (p=0.002; p=0.012). Those treated for hypertension can count on less parental or grandparental support. Non-hypertensives have higher personal health awareness (p=0001), as well as higher self-assessment of health (p=0.000). They are more motivated to avoid unhealthiness (p=0.002) and to maintain their health (p=0.009). They feel in better health (p=0.000) and are confident that this will be maintained in the future (p=0.000). Health concern is higher among hypertension patients (p=0.045). Both internal and external health control scores are higher (p=0.000; P=0.001) as is health anxiety (p=0.000).  Value: The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, so it is of paramount importance that appropriate health promotion programmes help law-enforcement workers to maintain their health.