Occupational Characteristics, Alcohol Use and Mental Health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study examined the influence of occupational characteristics and alcohol use on mental health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria. Relevant literatures were reviewed alongside two theoretical frameworks; the Stress and Coping Theory of Mental Health, and the Job Demand-Control Model, to explain the relationships among the study variables. A cross sectional survey design was adopted, and standardized instruments were used to gather information from respondents based on their specific characteristics, such as behaviors, attitudes, and outcomes at the time of investigation. Using a multistage sampling technique, a total of 365 participants were selected from a population of 4,903 police officers in the Benue State Command. The sample comprised 327 (89.6%) males and 38 (10.4%) females, aged between 18 and 60 years (x? = 2.61, SD = 0.605). The study utilized the Mental health inventory - 38 (MHI-38), the Job Demand-Control Questionnaire – 16 (English version), and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test as instruments for data collection. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test the study hypotheses. Findings indicated a significant positive influence of occupational characteristics on mental health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria [R = .793, R² = .629, F(2,362) = 306.628, p < .000]. The results also showed significant positive influence of alcohol use on mental health among Police First Responders in Benue State - Nigeria [R = .793, R² = .629, F(2,362) = 306.628, p < .000]. The findings further revealed significant joint influence of occupational characteristics and alcohol use on the mental health of Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria Observation of the Beta weights indicated that, both Occupational Characteristics [? = .367, P < .000] and Alcohol Use [? = .1.168, P < .000], had positive independent and joint positive influence on mental health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria. These results imply that mental health interventions for police first responders in Benue State should be dual-focused, targeting both the reduction of occupational stressors and the prevention of alcohol use. Recommended strategies include improved work-shift planning, participatory decision-making in work design, establishment of social support structures, family engagement programs, mandatory alcohol use screening and counseling, occupational therapy interventions, and routine evaluations to identify early signs of burnout. Additionally, the involvement of mental health professionals, such as clinical psychologists, is crucial for developing individualized care plans for Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria.
Keywords
Occupational Characteristics, Alcohol Use, Mental Health, Police First Responders
Citations
IRE Journals:
Damian Igbasue Attah, Joyce Mcivir Terwase , Pauline Aiingona Atsehe "Occupational Characteristics, Alcohol Use and Mental Health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 6 2025 Page 1141-1150 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712822
IEEE:
Damian Igbasue Attah, Joyce Mcivir Terwase , Pauline Aiingona Atsehe
"Occupational Characteristics, Alcohol Use and Mental Health among Police First Responders in Benue State, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(6) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712822
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