Authorities have reported a tragic cause of death in the Nigeria Police. The reportedly lost about 140 officers due to hypertension in Abuja alone, last year. The cause was a mix of high blood pressure, stress, and dangerous work conditions. Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a silent killer. It causes severe health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Globally, it is responsible for millions of preventable deaths every year. In Nigeria, there is fear that problem has reached epidemic levels, especially within the police force.
Hypertension occurs when the blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated over time. The condition often has no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. If left untreated, hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1.56 billion adults will be living with hypertension by 2025. It is a major contributor to the global burden of disease and premature death.
Factors contributing to death in the Nigeria Police
A research by O.J. Hussain and A.J. Ajuwon also highlights the alarming rate of hypertension as cause of death in the Nigerian police. It said the officers are particularly vulnerable to hypertension due to the nature of their job. The research was published in the journal of the Department of Health Promotion and Education, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in 2020 (Ann Ibd. Pg. Med 2020. Vol.18, No.2 114-121). It identifies several risk factors that are prevalent in the police force. They include stress, sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating habits, and age-related risk.
Chronic Stress: Police work is inherently stressful. Officers face high-pressure situations daily, from dealing with criminals to maintaining national security. The constant stress raises their blood pressure, putting them at higher risk for heart disease. “Stress from the job significantly contributes to high blood pressure among officers,” says Dr. Ade Taiwo, a cardiologist. The stress levels officers face are often compounded by shift work and long hours.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Despite the physical demands of police work, many officers spend long hours sitting during shifts. This lack of physical activity contributes to obesity and hypertension. According to the research, about one-third of officers do not exercise regularly. Hussain and Ajuwon note that police officers often live a sedentary lifestyle due to irregular working hours.
Poor Diet:
Many police officers struggle to maintain a healthy diet due to irregular eating habits. Long hours and limited food options during shifts often lead officers to rely on unhealthy fast food. Hussain’s study found that the lack of healthy meal choices during shifts is a significant risk factor for hypertension. Combined with poor diet, lack of physical activity exacerbates the risk of obesity and high blood pressure. They ultimately end in death in the Nigeria Police Force.
Age and Rank: Older officers and those with higher ranks are at greater risk for hypertension. As officers age, their risk for high blood pressure naturally increases. Hussain and Ajuwon’s study also found that senior officers, who have more responsibilities, experience higher stress levels, making them more susceptible to hypertension. “With greater responsibilities come greater risks,” says Dr. Anthony Akinroye, a public health expert.
Family Responsibilities: Marriage and family responsibilities increase stress and contribute to hypertension. Hussain and Ajuwon’s study found that married officers were four times more likely to suffer from hypertension compared to their unmarried counterparts. Family pressures, combined with work stress, elevate blood pressure levels significantly.
Lack of Health Screenings: Many police officers do not have access to regular medical check-ups, including blood pressure monitoring. Hussain and Ajuwon’s study emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings for early detection. Dr. Anthony Usoro, the national coordinator for non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, points out that “the lack of reliable data on hypertension makes it hard to track and control the problem.”
The consequences of hypertension: A public health crisis
Hypertension’s consequences for the police force are far-reaching. It contributes to a high incidence of cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to premature death in the Nigeria police. Hussain and Ajuwon’s research reveals that hypertension is a leading cause of illness and death among Nigerian police officers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is responsible for 7.1 million preventable deaths every year. In Nigeria, hypertension-related deaths are underreported, and the country’s statistics on the condition are unreliable. Dr. Usoro argues that “most data are outdated, and the lack of reliable data makes it difficult to target efforts to reduce hypertension effectively.”
Medical interventions and recommendations
Hypertension among police officers requires urgent attention. Medical experts have called for comprehensive interventions to reduce the burden of hypertension within the force.
Routine Health Screenings: Hussain and Ajuwon recommend regular blood pressure checks for all police officers. Early detection can prevent complications and save lives. “Routine medical check-ups should be mandatory for all police personnel,” Hussain insists. Screening for hypertension and other diseases can lead to early intervention and treatment.
Stress Management Programs: Given the high levels of stress in policing, authorities should organise stress management workshops to help officers manage the psychological toll of their work. Dr. Usoro believes that “stress management should be a key component of wellness programs for police officers.” Relaxation techniques, meditation, and time management could help officers manage stress better.
Promoting Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for preventing hypertension. Police stations should offer fitness programs and encourage officers to engage in physical activity during their off-hours. Hussain and Ajuwon’s study highlights that physical exercise plays a vital role in lowering blood pressure and improving overall health.
Improving diets:
Police authorities should ensure that officers have access to healthier food options during their shifts. Hussain and Ajuwon recommend providing balanced meals and snacks in police stations to promote better eating habits. Officers should be educated on the importance of a nutritious diet to lower hypertension risks. The situation is even worse with hardship, exacerbated by the poor economy in Nigeria.
Limiting shift hours: The grueling 24-hour shifts that many officers work should be reduced to decrease stress levels and promote better work-life balance. “Reducing the number of 24-hour shifts will help officers maintain better health,” Hussain advises. The Force should recruit more personnel to ensure adequate coverage without overburdening the existing officers.
Public health campaigns: Education on hypertension prevention and health management should be disseminated through workshops and social media. Dr. Akinroye suggests that “public health campaigns, especially on platforms like WhatsApp, could raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices among officers.”
Hypertension in the Nigeria Police Force is a serious public health issue. Hussain and Ajuwon’s study highlights the need for regular health screenings, stress management programs, and better lifestyle practices. Without swift intervention, the consequences for the police force—and for Nigeria—will be dire.
Dr. Akinroye concludes, “Hypertension among police officers is a ticking time bomb that demands immediate attention.” Only through proactive measures can the Nigeria Police Force hope to reduce the risk of hypertension-related deaths and safeguard the health of those who serve the nation.
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