Factors Affecting Depression among Police Officers

This study aimed to identify the differences in mental health status and factors related to depression in police officers. The secondary data from 493 police officers who participated in the survey at the Police Human Resources Development Institute between October and December 2019 was used. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and alcohol-drinking behavior were assessed. Data were analyzed using Hierarchical regression analysis with the SPSS 23.0 program. The score of PTSD symptoms was 24.39±17.98, drinking behavior 8.70±6.03, and depression 3.15±3.93 in the police officers. There were differences according to socio-demographic characteristics. Factors affecting the depression of police officers were long working hours, alcohol-drinking behavior, and hyper-arousal. Since the level of PTSD symptoms in police officers was very high and hyper-arousal may be prominent and aggravate depression; therefore it is necessary to provide psychological first aid (PFA) for police officers in the early stage.