TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION BY STATE MILITARY PERSONNEL: STUDY WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE MILITARY POLICE OF PARANÁ

Abstract

The objective of the article is to demonstrate the consumption of tobacco and alcohol by state soldiers from the Paraná Military Police (PMPR) in the period between 2018 and 2022. As a methodology, descriptive bibliographic and documentary research was used, with a qualitative focus. Tobacco and alcohol consumption as a social and contemporary phenomenon is analyzed from a global, national perspective and that of members of police institutions. The results demonstrated that the abstinence rate of the police sample ranged from 31% to 38%, significantly lower than the Brazilian average of 55% to 59,6%. It was found that abusive consumption (intake of 4 doses or more in a single event) of alcohol among police participants presented an alarming variation of 31% to 38%. More than abusive consumption (6 or more doses in a single event) reached levels of 14,5% to 25,2%. Regarding tobacco consumption, the variation was 7% to 9%, relatively close to the national variation of 9% to 9,8%. Extensive literature suggests a correlation and association between the consumption of tobacco and alcohol, substances that can cause dependence. It was concluded that there is a need to continue raising awareness among state military personnel about the harmful consequences of the harmful use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as the sequence of evaluations, monitoring, studies to improve the quality of life of police officers and integrated and specialized care.