Dulla, Joe

MacKenzie, Kristen

Matthews, Charlene

Orr, Rob Marc

English

Law enforcement personnel have been recognized as having a high risk for several lifestyle-related health conditions. The nature of their work, including sedentaryroles interspersed with shift work, intermittent high-intensity activity and a high stress-load can have a negative impact on a law enforcement personnel’s health Law enforcement personnel attending training may follow suboptimal dietary practices which can impair performance or enhance their risk for nutrition-related chronic diseases

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Bond UniversityResearch RepositoryDietary Intake, Beliefs, and Barriers in a Cohort of Law Enforcement Personnel UndergoingTrainingDulla, Joe; Matthews, Charlene; MacKenzie, Kristen; Orr, Rob MarcPublished: 11/02/2020Document Version:Peer reviewed versionLink to publication in Bond University research repository.Recommended citation(APA):Dulla, J., Matthews, C., MacKenzie, K., & Orr, R. M. (2020). Dietary Intake, Beliefs, and Barriers in a Cohort ofLaw Enforcement Personnel Undergoing Training. Poster session presented at 5th International Congress onSoldiers' Physical Performance, Quebec, Canada.General rightsCopyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright ownersand it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.For more information, or if you believe that this document breaches copyright, please contact the Bond University research repositorycoordinator.Download date: 12 Apr 2020Dietary Intake, Beliefs, and Barriers in a Cohort of Law Enforcement Personnel Undergoing Training Joseph M Dullaa,b, Charlene Matthewsc, Kristen MacKenzie-Shaldersc, Robin M OrrbA Recruit Training Unit, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles, California, USAB Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Queensland, Australia c Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Queensland, Bond UniversityResults & Discussion• Demographic related characteristics and descriptive results are shown in Table 1• Overall, 91% (n=143) of participants placed high importance on consuming nutritious food that keeps them heathy• 80% (n=126) placed importance on consuming food high in vitamins and minerals. • 80% (n=127) emphasized high protein content and 41% (n=62) reported following a high protein diet • 50% reported not following a special diet (n=77). • Additional reported variables of high importance for food choice were taste (84%, n=134), availability (82%, n=131), ability to keep them awake and alert (80%, n=127), value for money (77%, n=123), simple to cook (72%, n=114) and easy to prepare (67%, n=106).• Reported barriers to healthy eating were busy lifestyle (60%, n=94), irregular working hours (41%, n=64), lengthy food preparation (35%, n=55), price of healthy food (32%, n=51) and cooking skills (30%, n=48). • Overall however, 80% (n=127) stated they were very willing to make changes in eating habits to be healthier. • Perceived beneficial support to eat healthier included family support, meal preparation, increasing knowledge of healthy eating, cooking and food preparation and seeking guidance from a nutritionist/professional.ConclusionThis study highlights food habits, barriers and beliefs of law enforcement personnel undergoing training. Understanding unique needs and barriers of dietary intake in law enforcement personnel undergoing training is important to tailor appropriate nutrition support for motivated personnel. IntroductionLaw enforcement personnel have been recognized as having a high risk for several lifestyle-related health conditions [1-2]. The nature of their work, including sedentary roles interspersed with shift work, intermittent high-intensity activity and a high stress-load can have a negative impact on a law enforcement personnel’s health [3-4].Law enforcement personnel attending training may follow suboptimal dietary practices which can impair performance or enhance their risk for nutrition-related chronic diseases. Contact: rorr@bond.edu.auOperational Relevance:As soldiers are often called to peace-keeping and law enforcement-type missions, review of law enforcement literature of similar challenges can be beneficial.Police officers are at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than the general population. Dietary intake is strongly linked to health and performance.  Well-intentioned nutrition programs that instruct personnel on what they ‘should’ eat as a base without a practical and tailored approach may not be successful. Modifiable changes that recognize challenges to support law enforcement personnel to improve dietary intake will have clear implications for their disease-risk and performance.References:1. Violanti, J.M., et al., Atypical work hours and metabolic syndrome among police officers. Arch Environ Occup Health, 2009. 64(3): p. 194-201.2. Yoo, H. and W.D. Franke, Sleep habits, mental health, and the metabolic syndrome in law enforcement officers. J OccupEnviron Med, 2013. 55(1): p. 99-103.3. Vila B, D.K., Tired Cops: The Prevalence and Potential Consequences of Police Fatigue. National Institute of Justice Journal 2002(248): p. 16-21.4. Hem, E., A.M. Berg, and Ø. Ekeberg, Suicide in Police—A Critical Review. 2001. 31(2): p. 224-233.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to describe food habits, barriers, and beliefs of a cohort of law enforcement personnel to advise appropriate nutrition support. MethodsLaw enforcement personnel (n=159) undergoing recruit and other training were surveyed at a recruitment training unit. The sample included custody assistants, civilian jailers, sworn deputies, police officers, and reserve peace officers with a median age 26.5 (19-60) yearsValidated paper-based surveys were conducted including The Perceived Barriers to Healthy Eating, Food Choice Questionnaire and Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants. Survey data were analysed using SPSS Statistics. Categorical variables were reported as frequency (n) and total percentage (%). Percentages refer to valid data available for variables.

Dietary intake, beliefs and barriers in a mixed cohort of law enforcement personnel undergoing training

https://pure.bond.edu.au/ws/files/35143824/5._5th_ICSPP_Dulla_N_D.pdf

Dietary intake, beliefs and barriers in a mixed cohort of law enforcement personnel undergoing training

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