Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiovascular Risk, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Police Officers in Madeira: A Cross-Sectional Occupational Health Study

TL;DR

This study found that nearly 30% of police officers in Madeira have metabolic syndrome, with men and indoor-duty officers facing higher cardiovascular risks.

Contribution

The study identifies sex and occupational role differences in cardiovascular risk among police officers in Madeira.

Findings

Metabolic syndrome prevalence was 28.4% among police officers.

Male officers had higher cardiovascular risk scores than female officers.

Indoor-duty male officers showed the highest cardiovascular risk scores.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among police officers (POs) was 28.4%.Male POs showed significantly higher Framingham Cardiovascular Risk scores than female POs.Approximately 20% of POs were classified as high cardiovascular risk.No significant sex differences in MetS prevalence were observed.Male POs performing indoor duties presented higher cardiovascular risk scores.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among police officers (POs) was 28.4%.

Male POs showed significantly higher Framingham Cardiovascular Risk scores than female POs.

Approximately 20% of POs were classified as high cardiovascular risk.

No significant sex differences in MetS prevalence were observed.

Male POs performing indoor duties presented higher cardiovascular risk scores.

What are the implications of the main findings?
POs represent a priority occupational group for systematic cardiometabolic screening due to their increased cardiovascular vulnerability.Workplace health promotion strategies, including smoking cessation and structured physical activity programs, are particularly warranted for male POs in indoor roles.

POs represent a priority occupational group for systematic cardiometabolic screening due to their increased cardiovascular vulnerability.

Workplace health promotion strategies, including smoking cessation and structured physical activity programs, are particularly warranted for male POs in indoor roles.

Background/Objectives: Police work has been associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to occupational stress, shift work, and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and 10-year cardiovascular risk, and to analyse differences by sex and occupational function among police officers (POs) in Madeira. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 109 POs from the Autonomous Region of Madeira. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria, and 10-year cardiovascular risk was estimated using the Framingham Risk Score. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire (SF-36v2). Comparisons were performed by sex and professional role (indoor versus outdoor). Results: (i) The prevalence of MetS was 28.4%; (ii) Male POs had significantly higher Framingham Risk Scores than female POs, although no sex differences in MetS prevalence were observed; (iii) Approximately 20% of POs were classified as high cardiovascular risk; and (iv) Among male POs, those performing indoor duties showed higher cardiovascular risk scores. Conclusions: POs in Madeira present a considerable burden of cardiometabolic risk factors. These findings highlight the need for targeted occupational health strategies and regular cardiovascular screening within police organisations.

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