title: Determinants for acknowledgement of occupational related causes among Italian police officers.
abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate associations between invalidating health problems and the main demographic and professional determinants among the employees of the Police Headquarter of the Province of Foggia (South Italy). Personal records of the employees on active service between November 2009 and May 2010 (N. 798 files) have been analysed. 241 personal service records reporting at least an acknowledged occupational related cause were examined. Low educational level increases the risk of occupational related causes (OR = 2.03; 95% Cl = 1.03-3.2; p < 0.002). Traumatisms (49.4%) and osteoarticular system diseases (23.6%) were the most frequent reasons for acknowledgement of work-related causes. The risk of causes related to traumatism was lower among employees with lower educational level (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.36-0.97; p = 0.0038) and higher length of service (OR = 0.83; 95% Cl = 0.79-0.87; p < 0.001). Occupational-health physician knowledgeable about police work plays an important role by screening for specific conditions and educating the Police Officers about increased risks.
authors.affiliation: Section of Hygiene, Department of Medical and Occupational Science, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
authors.forename: Domenico
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Martinelli
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fortunato
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piano
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sponzilli
authors.forename: Silvio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tafuri
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mastrolonardo
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prato
mesh_terms: D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D008875:Middle Aged; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016495:Police / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*