Analysis of the perception of state police officers regarding the comfort of bulletproof vests

ABSTRACT Officers of the State Police Force are subjected to stressful conditions during their work shift, which may compromise their quality of life, health, as well as their physical and psychological well-being. Despite these factors, little attention is given to occupational risks of this profession. This study aimed to give greater emphasis to health promotion and disease prevention for State police officers and assess the comfort of these professionals when wearing bulletproof vests and their possible associations with fatigue and pain. Research was conducted from a structured questionnaire with questions related to the comfort of the bulletproof vest, to pain and fatigue at the end of the work shift. Sample was formed by 29 male police officers. Results showed an association among general discomfort degree, occupational activities and the vest’s weight (Spearman correlation equal to 0.697 and 0.7091, respectively). There were complaints related to pain in the lumbar region and fatigue at the end of the work shift. Police officers demonstrated dissatisfaction regarding the bulletproof vest comfort and complained about fatigue and pain.