Job demands and DHEA-S levels: a study on healthcare workers.
Occup Med (Lond)
; 74(3): 225-229, 2024 05 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38457425
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The intricate interplay between work-related stress and its physiological impact has drawn extensive research attention. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) emerges as a potential biomarker reflecting stress-related endocrine changes.AIMS:
This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between job demands and DHEA-S levels among healthcare workers. The study also explored potential correlations between DHEA-S levels and psychophysical symptoms commonly linked to work-related stress.METHODS:
A sample of 488 healthcare workers from a local health authority participated. Job demands were measured using the Demands scale of the Health and Safety Management Standards Indicator Tool. DHEA-S levels and symptom prevalence were assessed through serum analysis and questionnaires, respectively.RESULTS:
Workers exposed to high job demands exhibited significantly lower DHEA-S levels compared to those with low job demands. Psychophysical symptoms, including sleep disorders, depression, and headache, were more prevalent in the high-demands group. DHEA-S levels showed significant negative correlations with the prevalence of all considered symptoms.CONCLUSIONS:
The study shows the inverse relationship between job demands and DHEA-S levels among healthcare workers, indicating that high job demands correlate with reduced DHEA-S secretion and increased symptom prevalence. The findings suggest DHEA-S as a potential biomarker for assessing the physiological consequences of work-related stress. Proactive interventions in managing job demands are crucial for promoting employee well-being and productivity in demanding work environments. By recognizing DHEA-S as a stress biomarker, organizations can effectively address stress-related health risks and implement targeted interventions for enhancing employees' overall health and work performance.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Biomarcadores
/
Personal de Salud
/
Sulfato de Deshidroepiandrosterona
/
Estrés Laboral
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Occup Med (Lond)
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA OCUPACIONAL
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia