Objective:

There is scarce evidence about the physical fitness and psychological health of university security officers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to describe the physical and psychological health of security officers from the University of Costa Rica.

Method:

Participants were 26 males, whose mean (M ± SD) age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were 42,0 ± 7,2 yr., 87,3 ± 14,9 kg, 173,3 ± 5,4 cm and 29,1 ± 4,7 kg/m2, respectively. Participants completed the Job Stress Survey (JSS) and were evaluated on bone mineral density, % body fat, aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance and flexibility.

Results:

Low scores were found in the JSS (M = 14,8 ± 7,3 pts.), and significant correlations (p <0,05) between muscle strength and aerobic capacity (r = 0,44), flexibility and aerobic capacity (r = 0,40), and bone mineral density and muscle strength (r = 0,44).

Discussion:

In conclusion, security officers from the University of Costa Rica have low job stress, and according to the current American College of Sports Medicine guidelines are categorized as overweight, with “poor” aerobic capacity and flexibility, “average” muscle strength though with “very good” muscular endurance.

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