Prevalence of Absenteeism due to Mental Disorders among Federal Highway Police Officers in Pernambuco

https://doi.org/10.5935/rpot/e26019

Abstract

This study analyzed the prevalence of absenteeism due to mental and behavioral disorders (MBD) among federal highway police officers in Pernambuco from 2020 to 2024, using institutional records. A total of 2,369 medical leave cases involving 500 officers were reviewed. Mental disorders accounted for 11.9% of all cases, with an average leave duration of 41.2 days. The most frequent categories were mood disorders (48.8%) and anxiety disorders (44.1%). The primary diagnoses included acute stress reaction (F43.0), severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms (F32.2), generalized anxiety disorder (F41.1), and mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (F41.2). Factors associated with absenteeism included age between 40 and 49 years, longer service time, medium educational level, marital status (separated or single), and specific duty stations such as Petrolina and Garanhuns. The findings highlight the need for continued interventions and mental health promotion and prevention programs that take into account individual, organizational, and cultural factors.