Self-Reported Mental and Physical Health Problems among Traffic Police due to Air Pollution in Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

Introduction: Kathmandu valley has its unique bowl shaped topographic features due to which it is highly vulnerable to air pollution. Traffic police personnel (TPP) are at the highest risk of pollution related disease, because they are constantly exposed to the air pollution (vehicular emissions) as the nature of their occupation. The main objective of this study was to assess the mental and physical health problems among traffic police due to air pollution in the selected area of Kathmandu valley.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in Kathmandu Valley among traffic police. Samples were collected from each police station of ring road area. Total sample calculated and collected was 222. Standard questionnaire for symptoms of physical problem, anxiety and stress i.e.ST-George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), Hamilton Anxiety rating scale and Perceived stress scale respectively were used to collect the data. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v16, with descriptive statistics.

Results: About 73% of traffic police were reported with anxiety while stress related problems were identified among 40.6%. Skin, respiratory and eye problems were the most common physical problems seen among traffic police.

Conclusions: Traffic police in Nepal have both physical and mental health problems associated with air pollution. Hence, future interventions for the effort of reducing such problems should be prioritized, planned and implemented with generation of action plan to minimize the problem.