ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate cardiometabolic risk and associated lifestyle behaviours among police officers.

Methods: Participants completed a validated self-administered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic, dietary and physical activity items. Following this, blood pressure and anthropometry were measured using standard procedures. Participation in the study was voluntary. The study was approved by the Acting Commissioner of Police, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

Results: A total of 400 (females = 138; males = 262) officers participated in the study. Male officers were more likely than their female counterparts to have elevated blood pressures, waist circumferences and be smokers. In partial correlation analyses controlling for age, ethnicity, education level and marital status, body mass index was significantly inversely associated with the consumption of vegetables and peas and beans and positively associated with the consumption of sodas and cigarette smoking.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that high levels of cardiometabolic risk were associated with unhealthy lifestyle practices among participants.