(32) FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDY RETENTION IN LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

Purpose: This study examined how worker characteristics, behavioral factors, and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) impact the likelihood of completing a 12-month longitudinal study in law enforcement officers (LEO). Methods: Fifty full-duty career LEO (age: 37.10 ± 10.10 years, stature: 177.99 ± 8.10 cm, body mass: 94.19 ± 24.64 kg) completed a series of assessments after a four-hour fast. Participants completed a self-reported survey assessing worker characteristics, including sex, tenure (years employed), shift, work index (8-item Likert scale [1–5]), work-related fatigue (WRF; 5-item Likert scale [1–5]), and mental health (Patient Health Questionnaire- Anxiety and Depression; 15-item scale [0–3]). Behavioral factors were assessed through physical activity (NASA Physical Activity Scale; [0–7]) and dietary habits (Rapid Eating Assessment for Participants Short Form [REAPS]; 13-item Likert scale [1-3]). Participants’ HR-QOL was measured using a visual analog scale (0 = worst health, 100 = perfect health). Body fat percentage (%BF) was determined using a 3-compartment model that incorporated ultrasound-derived subcutaneous fat thickness and bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy to examine total body water. Dominant isometric handgrip strength (HGS) was measured using a compression handgrip dynamometer. Following 2-3 warm-up contractions, each LEO performed three isometric maximal voluntary contractions with 1-minute rest intervals, seated with their wrist in a neutral position, arm adducted, and forearm flexed at 90 degrees. Peak HGS was determined as the highest 500ms epoch across all contractions and expressed relative to body mass. To examine predictors of study completion, two separate exploratory logistic regression models were conducted: one for worker characteristics and one for behavioral factors, each retaining variables with P ≤ 0.25. Significant variables from both models were entered into a final multivariable logistic regression model, with an alpha level set at 0.05. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, with values excluding 1.00 considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 19 LEO completed the study. The final model identified several significant predictors of study completion. Males were more likely to complete the study compared to females (OR: 402.12, 95% CI = 7.45-21694.06, P = 0.003). Greater physical activity levels (NASA score, OR: 1.60, 95% CI = 1.04-2.45, P = 0.049), poorer eating habits (REAPS score, OR: 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50-0.88, P = 0.006), and a higher HR-QOL score (OR: 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.13, P = 0.026) were all associated with a greater likelihood of completing the study. Conclusions: Sex, physical activity, dietary habits, and HR-QOL were key predictors of study retention in LEO. These findings underscore the importance of these factors in improving participant retention in longitudinal LEO health research. Practical Applications: Researchers and tactical strength and conditioning professionals should consider that LEO who are male, more physically active, and have a higher HR-QOL are more likely to complete longitudinal studies. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, appeared to be related to study completion. While sex was a significant predictor, the small number of female participants limits broad conclusions. These findings may help inform future study retention efforts when conducting health-related research in LEO. Acknowledgements: None