Investigation of the parameters regarding the general health status of correctional officer

The aim of this study was to examine the musculoskeletal system problems, physical activity level, fatigue severity, sleep quality, depression level, quality of life and the relationship between these parameters of prison officers. 141 volunteers working in Muğla E Type Closed Penitentiary Institution were included in the study. The musculoskeletal problems of the participants were evaluated with the Cornell Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, their physical activity levels with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, their fatigue levels with the Fatigue Severity Scale, their sleep quality with the Visual Analog Scale, their depression levels with the Beck Depression Inventory, and their quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile. SPSS 23.0 program was used in the analysis of the data. 22.4% of prison staff were inactive, 46.1% were minimally active and 31.6% were active. 61% were pathologically tired, 39% were not pathologically tired. While 46.8% did not have depression, 53.2% had mild, moderate and severe depression. Women's quality of life, sleep quality and total number of years in the profession were lower than men, and neck, back and both extremity problems were higher (p<0.05). Smokers had higher depression levels and musculoskeletal system problems, sleep quality and quality of life were lower than non-smokers (p<0.05). There was also a positive correlation between musculoskeletal problems and depression levels (r=0.317, p=0.00). Prison personnel are at risk in terms of musculoskeletal systems, physical activity level, fatigue and sleep quality, depression and quality of life due to the stress and tiring work brought by the profession. These risks can be minimized with preventive physiotherapy approaches.