Saúde mental dos policiais militares: uma análise quantitativa dos fatores associados

Abstract

Objective: to describe the prevalence of suicidal ideation among military police officers and to verify its distribution according to predictor variables. Method: cross-sectional study, with a sample composed of active military police officers from the Military Police (MP) in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data collection was carried out from May to August 2021, through an electronic questionnaire, distributed online by the MP itself (e-mail and social networks). The description of the sample and the calculation of the prevalence (CI95) and verification of the distribution of the prevalence of suicidal ideation according to the predictive variables (Pearson's chi-square) were carried out. Results: there was a 5% prevalence of suicidal ideation among the police officers studied and its significant association (p<0.005) with the variables: having completed a graduate degree; integrate the group of “squares”; sedentary lifestyle; prior use of the MP mental health network; previous diagnosis of mental disorder; having already followed up with a Psychologist/Psychiatrist; negative self-perception of mental health; family member who has already attempted suicide / committed suicide; present some sleep disorder, stress, anxiety, depression or some degree of dissatisfaction with life. Conclusion: results are in accordance with what is shown in the literature, paying attention to the need for special mental health care for military professionals, as this influences the quality of public security.