Determinants for acknowledgement of occupational related causes among Italian police officers.

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.