Cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome among police officers in Kozhikode corporation

Context: Police personnel constitute a special occupational group with exposure to stressful work environment indirectly resulting in a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including metabolic syndrome (MS), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle is reported among policemen. Surveillance activities are limited in the present scenario. Aims: The present study was designed to measure the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other cardiovascular risk factors among police officers in Kozhikode district and observe the trend over the last 10 years. Settings and Design: The design was cross-sectional and spanned 630 policemen of Kozhikode Corporation in Kerala Methods and Material: Data collection was done using a pre-tested questionnaire. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were carried out using standard techniques. MS was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 20.0 software. Prevalence of MS and cardiovascular risk factors were expressed as percentages (95% CI). Associated factors with MS were identified using Chi square test. Results: MS was observed in 45.1% of the study population. Obesity and lack of physical activity were the commonest abnormalities. Cardiovascular risk factors identified were high body mass index (67.3%), lack of physical activity (47.1%), hypertension (16.7%), alcohol use (24.2%), smoking (17.3%) and diabetes (8.8%). Conclusions: There is a rising prevalence (16.8% in 2012 to 45.1% in 2021) of Metabolic Syndrome among policemen in Calicut Corporation. All the cardio vascular risk factors are also highly prevalent among the policemen. Policy makers might seriously take up the issue and introduce effective policies that might help reduce the incidence of MS and other cardio vascular risk factors in the newly recruited young policemen.