Factors affecting the mental health of police officers based on the PRECEDE model: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Police officers' mental health issues can impair their ability to perform duties safely and increase the required medical care for public health and police organizations. This study investigated police officers' mental health status, identified related factors, and analyzed their paths using the PRECEDE (Predisposing, Reinforcing, and Enabling Constructs in Educational Diagnosis and Evaluation) model. The results showed that 63.02% of the participants were in the potential stress group for mental health. Police officers' mental health was associated with resilience, social support, resource availability, health behaviors, job stress, and traumatic experiences. The path analysis showed that higher health behaviors and lower job stress were positively associated with better mental health. This study and model can guide the creation of health policies and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of police officers.