EVALUATION OF STRESS MANAGEMENT IN KADAPA DISTRICT POLICE PERSONNEL, ANDHRA PRADESH STATE, INDIA

NAIK E.SH.K, DZHUSUPOV K, VISHNIAKOV D.V, VITYALA YE.

Key words:

POLICE, STRESS, RANKING, PRESSURE, INDIA

Abstract:

Background: Stress is clinically described as the human body's physical, mental, or emotional response that may result in changes in bodily parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, glucose levels, and so on. Long-term stress can cause sadness, anxiety, frustration, mood swings, and other symptoms. Occupational stress has been identified as a key source of concern for the global population's health. Policing has been identified as one of the most demanding professions, which is more prone to stress and depression.Objectives: The current study has been aimed at analysing the stress and depression among police personnel in the district of Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, a south Indian state.Materials and Methods: The participants were recruited from the police department of Kadapa district from different police rankings, comprising constables, head constables, assistant sub-inspectors, sub-inspectors, inspectors, and home guards. The study has been conducted using a cross-sectional research method. The data for this study will be collected using an operational police stress questionnaire. Demographic data, including gender, age, police ranking, etc., has been collected from the participants. The reliability of the participants with regard to the administration and organization has been analysed.Results: Two hundred and four participants with a mean age of 41.59 ± 7.94 years were enrolled in the study. The females are more susceptible to stress than the males. The officers at lower and intermediate ranks, like constables and sub-inspectors, are more susceptible to organizational and administrative pressure than the high-ranking officials. Meditation and physical exercise did not significantly influence the mental health of police officers, even though they influenced it to some extent.Conclusion: In conclusion, based on our current findings, we report that females are more prone to stress than males. The officers at lower and intermediate ranks, like constables and sub-inspectors, are more susceptible to organizational and administrative pressure than the high-ranking officials. Meditation and physical exercise did not significantly influence the mental health of police officers, even though they influenced it to some extent.