Protocol for the development and piloting of a cluster randomised controlled trial for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism among police officers in Nigeria

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <bold>Background</bold> Policing is a stressful occupation. Police officers are exposed to stressors that are inherent in the organization and operations of the law enforcement institution. Similar to their counterparts around the world, many Nigeria police officers are exposed to high levels of stress, making them vulnerable to stress-related mental health conditions and other non-communicable diseases. Despite these risks and their consequences to the health and safety of police officers and the larger society, interventions are currently not available to address this challenge in Nigeria. The current study is designed to address this knowledge gap. This pilot study aims to assess the burden of stress from a national sample of police officers and test the feasibility of an intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanisms among police officers in Nigeria.<bold>Methods</bold> This is a three-phase study (1) a needs assessment and situational analysis using a mixed methods approach to determine the prevalence of stress and mental health burden among 1200 police officers in four randomly selected states in four geo-political zones of the country (2) the development of a peer-led intervention for stress prevention, management, and coping mechanism which will be tested using a cluster randomized trial among 200 police officers and (3) the preliminary evaluation of the intervention based on knowledge about stress management and mental disorders and psychological distress and reduction in stress levels. These measures will be obtained at baseline, immediate, and six months post-intervention. Feasibility will be determined based on enrollment rate, attendance and completion of the group sessions. Linear regression models taking into account clustering effects will be used to estimate between-group differences in outcome measures.<bold>Discussion</bold> Findings from the study will inform policy review and the development of a pragmatic intervention on stress prevention and management among police officers. This will enhance the policing role of officers, thus contributing to the safety of the communities they serve.<bold>Trial registration</bold> PACTR Registry: PACTR202310474721238. Registered on 6 October, 2023, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25663