Epidemiological and dynamic analysis of trauma and its consequences among employees of Internal Affairs Agencies of Russian Federation: retrospective cohort study based on military medical examination data (2008–2024)

INTRODUCTION. Injuries sustained by employees of the internal affairs agencies (IAAs) of the Russian Federation remain a significant medical and social problem that directly affects their professional fitness, staff stability, and the amount of disability-related payments. According to a number of studies, occupational injuries in high-risk environments require systematic recording and analysis. However, the dynamics of changes in the consequences of injuries in the structure of military medical examinations (MME) at the federal level have not previously been studied retrospectively over a long period of time.

OBJECTIVE. Assess the level of injury, the structure of professional fitness, and the dynamics of its changes among employees of the internal affairs agencies of the Russian Federation based on official statistics from the military medical commissions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for 2008–2024.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study uses summary statistical data at the federal level reflecting the results of medical examinations of injured law enforcement officers. A comprehensive retrospective analysis of annual MME reports for 17 years was conducted. Standardized indicators per 1,000 employees (‰), absolute risk (AR), relative risk (RR), odds ratio (OR), the proportion of injuries among unfit and limited-fit employees, as well as epidemiological significance coefficients were calculated. Descriptive statistics and dynamic analysis methods were used.

RESUTLS. During the observation period, there was a significant decrease in the overall injury rate from 7.095‰ in 2008 to 1.354‰ in 2024. The AR, RR, and OR indicators also decreased for employees with less than 20 years of service and who had not reached the age limit. The proportion of injured persons among all those recognized as unfit and limited fit for service decreased from 11.98% to 3.62%. Against the backdrop of a decrease in serious injuries, minor domestic and work-related injuries consistently dominated the structure of medical examinations, while the proportion of persons recognized as limited fit for service remains significant, especially in the group with up to 20 years of service.

DISCUSSION. The results obtained reflect a general trend toward a decrease in the medical and social burden associated with injuries among law enforcement officers. The dynamics are consistent with the literature, which emphasizes the role of systematic prevention, the development of medical and psychological support services, and the modernization of approaches to assessing professional suitability. At the same time, the continuing proportion of employees with limited fitness and unfitness, especially among junior staff, indicates the need for an in-depth analysis of the causes of chronic trauma consequences and the improvement of secondary prevention programs.

CONCLUSION. A retrospective analysis of summary statistics from the military medical commissions of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for 2008–2024 demonstrated a steady decline in the level of injuries and their epidemiological significance. The data obtained can serve as a basis for improving the regulatory framework, preventive measures, and assessment of professional suitability of employees. The use of AR, RR, OR indicators and injury significance coefficients can be recommended for monitoring the effectiveness of measures in the medical care system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

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