Correlation Between the Presence of Musculoskeletal Condition, Psychological Symptoms, Quality of Life, Sleep Quality, and Physical Activity Level in Military Police Officers

Abstract

Introduction: The military police profession is characterized by intense physical and psychological demands, which can impair musculoskeletal health, mental well-being, quality of life, sleep, and physical activity levels due to exposure to ergonomic factors, chronic stress, and occupational risks. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the correlation between musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs), psychological symptoms (de-pression, anxiety, and stress), quality of life, sleep quality, and physical activity levelsamong military police officers in Rio de Janeiro. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 73 military police officers (67.12% male; mean age 42.16 ± 6.28 years) from the 34th Military Police Battalion. Validated questionnaires were used: Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (QNSO) for MSCs, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) for psychological symptoms, World Health Organization Quality of Life - bref (WHOQOL-bref) for quality of life, Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ) for sleep quality, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) for physical activity levels. Logistic regression assessed associations (p < 0.05). Re sults: The prevalence of MSCs in the past 12 months was 78.08%, predominantly affecting the lower back (53.42%) and upper back (42.46%), with 35.61% reporting functional impairment. Severe sleep difficulties affected 60.27% of participants, and 28.76% were classified as sedentary. Psychological symptoms were significant, with 43.84% showing above-normal anxiety (10.95% extremely severe) and 41.10% elevated stress (13.69% severe). The mean quality of life score was 65.36 (± 14.14), indicating a moderate level. Logistic regression revealed a statistically significant association between MSCs in the past 12 months and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.00–1.23; p = 0.04), but not with depression, stress, quality of life, sleep, or physical activity. Conclusion: The correlation between MSCs and anxiety underscores the influence of psychological factors on musculoskeletal health among military police officers. The high prevalence of MSCs, sleep issues, and sedentarism highlights the need for integrated interventions in this population.