title: Stress in Spanish police force depending on occupational rank, sex, age and work-shift.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the police force, some variables such as occupational rank, sex, age and work-shift are associated with stress in workers. The aim of this paper was to determine possible differences in the perception of occupational stress at work depending on rank, sex, age and work-shift of police agents in the Community of Madrid, Spain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 municipalities of the Community of Madrid. A total number of 565 police agents participated. The ranks of the police agents were: constable, corporal, sergeant and police chief. Occupational stress (psychosocial risk factors at work) was assessed with the DECORE Questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All police agents perceived psychosocial risk factors adversely; especially agents of lesser rank perceived less control, fewer rewards and scarce support. There were significant differences in the perception of insufficient rewards between constables and other categories; and between constables and corporals in the perception of insufficient organisational support. No significant differences were found in the perception of psychosocial risk factors in relation to the rest of variables.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The police rank should be taken into account for the development of preventive measures to reduce stress.
authors: Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
authors: Lourdes
authors: L
authors: Luceño-Moreno
authors: Yolanda
authors: Y
authors: García-Albuerne
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Talavera-Velasco
authors: Jesús
authors: J
authors: Martín-García
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016495:Police / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*