Physical exercise behavior characteristics and influencing factors of police officers

Abstract Purpose The present study was to explore the physical exercise behavior characteristics, motivation and influencing factors of police officers. To analyse the police's exercise behavior and influencing factors. In order to better promote the physical exercise behavior and health status of the police. Methods Stratified cluster sampling was adopted to investigate 3682 policemen from 16 district public security substations in a city in eastern China, in terms of physical exercise participation and influencing factors, and logistic regression analysis was utilized to investigate the three aspects of exercise behavior, health cognition and influencing factors. Results The physical exercise behavior of police showed long range of time, but less frequency and low intensity. The exercise programs were diverse but mainly was running. The exercise motivation was mainly to keep fit and stress relief. Logistic regression analysis indicates that source of police entry (OR = 1.467, 95%CI: 1.338 ~ 1.609), exercise conditions of workplace (OR = 1.069, 95%CI: 1.051 ~ 1.088), exercise conditions near home(OR = 1.123, 95%CI: 1.047 ~ 1.205), high volume physical labor required little exersise(OR = 1.372,95%CI: 1.038 ~ 1.813), lack of organization(OR = 1.415,95%CI: 1.164 ~ 1.720), economic conditions constraints(OR = 1.439, 95%CI: 1.114 ~ 1.858), weather restrictions(OR = 2.292, 95%CI: 2.418 ~ 3.548), were the main factors influencing police physical exercise behavior. Conclusion In view of all kinds of influencing factors and combining with the actual police work, the participation and effect of physical exercise of police officers should be improved, so as to better promote the physical health of police officers and serve the development of public security cause.