Salivary Cortisol Values Research Articles

Establishment of reference intervals for the salivary cortisol circadian cycle, by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA), in healthy adults

ObjectivesTo determine salivary cortisol reference intervals in a healthy adult population, at 6 different time points during a 24-hour (h) period. MethodsIn a prospective study, salivary cortisol concentrations were measured upon waking, one-hour post-waking and at specific times of the day: at 12 h00, 16 h00, 20 h00 and midnight. Samples were analyzed by the first and second-generation electrochemiluminescence assays (ECLIA) from Roche Cobas Cortisol®. ResultsSalivary cortisol values were obtained from 134 healthy volunteers. Reference intervals for the first-generation assay were 6.14–33.19 nmol/L (95% prediction interval) at waking, 5.42–28.06 nmol/L one-hour post-waking, 3.62–16.23 nmol/L at 12 h00, 2.78–15.27 nmol/L at 16 h00, 2.08–14.90 nmol/L at 20 h00 and 2.09–16.92 nmol/L at midnight. Mean salivary cortisol values were 14.63 nmol/L at waking and 6.44 nmol/L at midnight. Reference intervals for the second-generation assay were 1.50–22.02 nmol/L (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) at waking, 1.50–20.87 nmol/L one-hour post-waking, 1.50–12.51 nmol/L at 12 h00, 1.50–13.03 nmol/L at 16 h00, 1.50–9.52 nmol/L at 20 h00 and 1.50–6.28 nmol/L at midnight. Values for the second-generation assay at all 6 different time points were almost half of the first-generation assay. The second-generation assay showed a better correlation with LC-MS/MS (r = 0,97). ConclusionOur study confirms that reference intervals for salivary cortisol are not comparable across first and second-generation Roche Cobas Cortisol® assays. Furthermore, the second-generation assay has a better correlation with LC-MS/MS and a better analytical performance (accuracy and precision).

The effect of nesting positions on pain, stress and comfort during heel lance in premature infants

BackgroundNesting positions are commonly used in procedural analgesic administration in premature neonates. The effectiveness of nesting positions is questioned. The aim of the this study was to assess the pain, stress, comfort and salivary cortisol and melatonin values in nesting positions during the heel lance procedure in premature infants at the NICU. MethodsExperimental research; repeated measurement design. The sample comprised 33 premature neonates with gestational age of 31–35 weeks who had been hospitalized in the NICU. Nesting positions were given using linen or towels. The procedure of heel lance was recorded on camera. The camera recordings were evaluated according to the NIPS and the COMFORTneo scale. Saliva samples were obtained five minutes prior to and 30 min after the heel lance procedure. Salivary Cortisol and Melatonin were measured using the Salimetrics Cortisol Elisa Kit and the Salimetrics Melatonin Elisa Kit. ResultsThe crying time, the mean NIPS score, the COMFORTneo score, the COMFORTneo NRS-pain scores and the COMFORTneo NRS-distress scores for premature neonates who were in the prone position during the procedure were significantly lower than the scores in the supine position (p < 0.000). Furthermore, the level of salivary cortisol five minutes prior to and 30 min after the heel lance procedure had significantly decreased in the prone position; however, there were insignificant differences in the mean levels of salivary melatonin between the positions. ConclusionsNesting in the prone position has a pain reducing effect, enhancing comfort and reducing stress in premature infants.

Late-Night Salivary Cortisol is Unaltered in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Irrespective of Disease Phenotype, and in Obese Women, Irrespective of the Presence of PCOS

To determine cutoff values of late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC) using an electrochemiluminescent immunoassay and investigate whether the diagnostic performance of the assay is influenced by the presence of obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 124 subjects comprising 25 patients with Cushing syndrome (CS), 44 with PCOS (22 nonobese and 22 obese), 21 with constitutional obesity (CO), and 34 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. Two consecutive LNSC samples were collected from all participants. The median LNSC levels of patients with CS were significantly higher than LNSC levels of HS, patients with CO, and obese and nonobese patients with PCOS, respectively (P<.01 for all). Healthy subjects, patients with CO, and obese and nonobese patients with PCOS did not differ in terms of median LNSC levels (P>.05 for all). The cutoff values and corresponding sensitivity and specificity were similar between the groups. The comparisons of the area under curve of the first LNSC (0.963; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.910 to 0.989), second LNSC (0.954; 95% CI, 0.898 to 0.984), and the mean of two consecutive LNSC (mLNSC) values (0.962; 95% CI, 0.909 to 0.989) did not differ significantly (P>.05 for all). A cutoff value for mLNSC of 7.45 nmol/L yielded a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.5% in HS. In conclusion, LNSC is a reliable test with high diagnostic accuracy in both HS and patients with PCOS and obesity. ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormone AUC = area under the curve BMI = body mass index CO = constitutional obesity CS = Cushing syndrome E2 = estradiol ECLIA = electrochemiluminescent immunoassay FPG = fasting plasma glucose FSH = follicle-stimulating hormone HOMA-IR = homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance HPA = hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal HS = healthy subjects IQR = interquartile range LH = luteinizing hormone LNSC = late-night salivary cortisol LR = likelihood ratio mLNSC = mean of two consecutive LNSC samples PCOS = polycystic ovarian syndrome ROC = receiver operating characteristic UFC = urinary free cortisol WHR = waist-to-hip ratio.

Minor Immediate Effects of a Dog on Children's Reading Performance and Physiology.

Literacy is a key factor in occupational success and social integration. However, an increasing number of children lack appropriate reading skills. There is growing evidence that dogs have positive effects on reading performance. We investigated the short-term effects of dogs on reading performance in 36 third-graders and monitored physiological parameters [heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and salivary cortisol] as well as behavioral variables. Each child took part in two test sessions at the presence of a tutor, in one of which a dog and its handler were present. To assess reading performance two reading tests were used: two subtests of the standardized “Ein Leseverständnistest für Erst- bis Sechstklässler”, where the children have to carry out time-limited reading tasks, to assess sentence and text comprehension, and repeated reading (RR), where the children have to read the same text twice, to assess reading speed and short-term improvement. Although the dog had no effect on reading performance scores, within the first test session the children improved from the first to the second run of RR when a dog was present but not without dog. The behavior of the children indicated a calming effect of the dog in the first test session with less nervous movements and the children being less talkative. We found no impact of the dog on HR and HRV. However, the excitement about the dog in combination with the unknown situation in the first test session was reflected in a higher difference in the mean HR difference between the two test sessions for the children, who in the first test session had a dog present, compared to the children, who had the dog in the second test session. In the second test session, the children were more aroused with a dog present than with no dog present, as indicated by the area under the curve increase (AUCi) of salivary cortisol values. We conclude that the presence of a dog had a minor short-term positive effect on the children’s motivation and reading performance. More substantial effects could probably be achieved with repeated sessions.

Update on adrenal insufficiency: diagnosis and management in pregnancy.

Adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy, although relatively rare, has significant clinical implications on both maternal and fetal outcomes. Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis dynamics and physiological changes are complex, thus diagnosis and management of adrenal insufficiency in pregnancy remain challenging. Studies consistently demonstrate a rise in total serum cortisol with pregnancy, but less data are available on free cortisol levels. Salivary cortisol values have been measured in normal pregnancy and in a few studies using healthy nonpregnant women controls. Although this adds to our current knowledge of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis changes in pregnancy, clear-cut cortisol reference ranges are yet to be established. Serum cortisol and the cosyntropin stimulation test (albeit with higher peak cortisol thresholds) are currently the diagnostic tests of choice. Hydrocortisone is the preferred glucocorticoid replacement in pregnancy as it is inactivated by placental 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2; dose titration may be required, but should be individualized depending on clinical course and mode of delivery. Further studies on the long-term effects of maternal glucocorticoid regimens on the fetus and potential modulators of fetal glucocorticoid sensitivity and placental 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 are needed and will be useful in guiding clinical management strategies in pregnant women with adrenal insufficiency.

The Impact of Neonatal Simulations on Trainees' Stress and Performance: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial.

Assess impact of neonatal simulation and simulated death on trainees' stress and performance. A parallel-group randomized trial (November 2011 to April 2012). Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, Canada. Sixty-two pediatric trainees eligible, 59 consented, and 42 completed the study. Trainees performed two simulations where a term neonate was born pulseless. They were randomized to start with either survival (manikin responded to appropriate resuscitation) or death scenario (manikin remained pulseless despite resuscitation). Performance was assessed using the Neonatal Resuscitation Program megacode score sheet by two reviewers. Subjective stress was assessed with a questionnaire. Three salivary cortisol (objective stress) values were compared: at baseline (T0: during lecture), presimulation (T1), and postsimulation (T2: after first scenario). Performance scores were similar in both groups in the first (83% vs 82%; p = 0.85) and second scenarios (82% vs 79 %; p = 0.87). Salivary cortisol levels at T0 (0.10 vs 0.10; p = 0.54), T1 (0.15 vs 0.11; p = 0.35), and T2 (0.23 vs 0.17; p = 0.23) did not differ between groups. Perceived stress level was six out of 10 in survival group versus seven out of 10 in death group (p = 0.19). Salivary cortisol increased significantly from T0 to T1 (p < 0.01). T2 cortisol levels were significantly higher than T1 (p< 0.001), yet this increase was not scenario dependent (p = 0.41) nor associated with performance on either scenario. Subscores for bag mask ventilation were lower than subscores for advanced resuscitation skills. Neonatal simulations cause significant anticipatory and participatory stress. Despite this, trainees' performance score in simulation was over 80%. Simulated death did not impact performance, magnitude of rise in salivary cortisol level, and perceived stress level. Trainees performed better at advanced resuscitation skills (which are rarely needed) compared with basic skills routinely performed in practice.

The effects of economic and sociocultural stressors on the well-being of children of Latino immigrants living in poverty.

This article explored whether preschoolers' physical (body mass index [BMI] and salivary cortisol levels) and psychological (internalizing/externalizing behaviors) well-being were predicted by economic hardship, as has been previously documented, and further, whether parental immigration-related stress and/or acculturation level moderated this relationship in low-income Latino families. The sample for the current study included 71 children of Latino immigrants (M = 4.46 years, SD = .62). Parents completed questionnaires assessing immigration-related stress, acculturation level, economic hardship, and child internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Child's BMI was also calculated from height and weight. Salivary cortisol samples were collected midmorning and midafternoon at home on non-child-care days. Salivary cortisol values were averaged and log transformed. Children's salivary cortisol was predicted by an interaction between economic hardship and acculturation, with lower cortisol values except when children were protected by both lower acculturation and lower economic hardship. Both internalizing and externalizing behaviors were predicted by an interaction between economic hardship and immigration-related stress, with highest behaviors among children whose parents reported high levels of both economic hardship and immigration-related stress. The effects of economic hardship on the well-being of young children of Latino immigrants may depend on concurrent experiences of sociocultural stress, with detrimental effects emerging for these outcomes only when economic hardship and sociocultural stressors are high. (PsycINFO Database Record

The diagnostic value of late-night salivary cortisol for diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome.

Late-night salivary cortisol is a frequently used and easily implemented diagnostically valuable test for the diagnosis of overt Cushing's syndrome. The use of late-night salivary cortisol in the diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome is somewhat controversial. In this study, we aimed to determine the diagnostic value of late-night salivary cortisol in diagnosing subclinical Cushing's syndrome and compare it with 24-hour urinary free cortisol levels (UFC). The study consisted of 33 cases of subclinical Cushing's syndrome, 59 cases of non-functioning adrenal adenoma, and 41 control subjects. Late-night salivary cortisol and UFC were measured in all the cases. The diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome was based on combined results of 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test > 1.8 μg/dL and ACTH < 10 pg/mL. Mean late-night salivary cortisol levels in subjects with subclinical Cushing's syndrome were significantly higher than in subjects with non-functioning adrenal adenoma and the control group (p < 0.001). Using a cut-off value of 0.18 μg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity of late-night salivary cortisol for diagnosing subclinical Cushing's syndrome were determined as 82% and 60%, respectively. Using a cut-off value of 137 μg/day, the sensitivity and specificity of UFC was determined as 18% and 90%, respectively. Because the sensitivity of late-night salivary cortisol for the diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome is limited, using it as the sole screening test for subclinical Cushing's syndrome may lead to false negative results. However, using it as an adjunct test to other tests may be beneficial in the diagnosis of subclinical Cushing's syndrome. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (5): 487-492).

Psychosocial stress based on public speech in humans: is there a real life/laboratory setting cross-adaptation?

Repeated or chronic exposure to stressors is associated with changes in neuroendocrine responses depending on the type, intensity, number and frequency of stress exposure as well as previous stress experience. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that salivary cortisol and cardiovascular responses to real-life psychosocial stressors related to public performance can cross-adapt with responses to psychosocial stress induced by public speech under laboratory setting. The sample consisted of 22 healthy male volunteers, which were either actors, more precisely students of dramatic arts or non-actors, students of other fields. The stress task consisted of 15 min anticipatory preparation phase and 15 min of public speech on an emotionally charged topic. The actors, who were accustomed to public speaking, responded with a rise in salivary cortisol as well as blood pressure to laboratory public speech. The values of salivary cortisol, systolic blood pressure and state anxiety were lower in actors compared to non-actors. Unlike non-actors, subjects with experience in public speaking did not show stress-induced rise in the heart rate. Evaluation of personality traits revealed that actors scored significantly higher in extraversion than the subjects in the non-actor group. In conclusion, neuroendocrine responses to real-life stressors in actors can partially cross-adapt with responses to psychosocial stress under laboratory setting. The most evident adaptation was at the level of heart rate responses. The public speech tasks may be of help in evaluation of the ability to cope with stress in real life in artists by simple laboratory testing.

Sex Differences in Salivary and Serum Cortisol Values Among Nurses and Correlation with Work Stress

Sex Differences in Salivary and Serum Cortisol Values Among Nurses and Correlation with Work Stress

Effects of Therapeutic Riding on Measures of Stress in Horses

The popularity of therapeutic riding is growing rapidly. With greater numbers of horses used in this field, it is becoming increasingly important to understand how this work impacts horse quality of life. Salivary cortisol concentrations and behavior scores are two measures of stress in horses, and the goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that horses used in therapeutic riding exercises have greater increases in cortisol concentrations during therapeutic riding, when compared to a traditional hunt seat lesson program or at rest. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured in six adult horses on 3 days per week for a total of 6 weeks. Horses served as their own controls, and salivary cortisol concentrations were measured during therapeutic riding, traditional riding, and at rest, with samples collected at 0, 30, and 60 minutes. Delta cortisol concentrations were calculated by subtracting baseline cortisol concentrations from values obtained at 30 or 60 minutes. Delta salivary cortisol values were compared among different types of activity by the nonparametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. No significant differences in delta cortisol values were detected between riding conditions. Delta salivary cortisol values at 30 minutes were 0.147, 0.0762, and −0.032 μg/dL for rest, traditional riding, and therapeutic riding conditions, respectively, and delta values at 60 minutes were −0.0177, −0.002, and −0.031 μg/dL, respectively. Behavior scores did not differ significantly between different riding conditions. Our hypothesis was not supported, and we conclude that therapeutic riding was not associated with increased stress in horses in this sample.

The morning and late-night salivary cortisol ranges for healthy women may be used in pregnancy.

The diagnosis of adrenal dysfunction in pregnancy and in women taking oral contraceptives remains a diagnostic challenge. Salivary cortisol seems to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency. However, the changes in salivary cortisol concentration in healthy pregnancy are not clearly defined. The aim of our study was to compare diurnal changes in salivary cortisol in healthy pregnant women, healthy controls and women on oral contraceptives. The study groups consisted of (i) 41 healthy pregnant women, (ii) 42 healthy women and (iii) 12 healthy women on oral contraceptives. Serum and salivary cortisol in the morning and salivary late-night cortisol were measured with Roche ECLIA cortisol test (Elecsys 2010) in each trimester and postpartum. Despite the elevation of morning serum cortisol in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, the morning salivary values as well as late-night salivary cortisol throughout all trimesters were not significantly different from control values (P > 0·5). In the postpartum period, the morning and late-night salivary cortisol values were significantly lower than in late pregnancy. The morning and late-night salivary cortisol values in women on contraceptives were also not different from those in the healthy women group. The results of our study suggest that reference values for salivary cortisol established for a healthy adult population can be used for pregnant women and women on oral contraceptives in the initial diagnostic testing for Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.

Measurement of Salivary Cortisol Level for the Diagnosis of Critical Illness–Related Corticosteroid Insufficiency in Children*

To compare serum total, serum free and salivary cortisol in critically ill children. Prospective observational cohort study. Tertiary pediatric critical care unit at Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital at Loyola University Medical Center. We enrolled 59 patients (4 weeks to 18 years of age) between January 2012 and May 2013. Thirty-four patients were included in the salivary to serum free cortisol correlational analysis. Blood and saliva samples were obtained simultaneously within 24 hours of admission between the hours of 6 AM and 12 PM. Salivary cortisol was tested by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, serum free cortisol by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry followed by equilibrium dialysis, and serum total cortisol by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Salivary and serum free cortisol values from 34 patients had a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75-0.93; p < 0.0001). The total serum and salivary cortisol values had a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.42-0.81; p < 0.0001). The total serum and serum free cortisol values had a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69-0.91; p < 0.0001). Serum free and salivary cortisol values correlate in critically ill children. Salivary cortisol can be used as a surrogate for serum free cortisol in critically ill pediatric patients. Salivary cortisol is a cost-effective and less invasive measure of bioavailable cortisol and offers an alternate and accurate method for assessing critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency in children.

Salivary cortisol values among nurses at Pathology and Emergency Department

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Analysis of salivary cortisol levels to determine the association between depression level and differences in circadian rhythms of shift-working nurses.

The aim of this study was to clarify whether there are differences in the circadian rhythms of shift-working nurses by assessing depression, fatigue and salivary cortisol levels. Forty nurses working in a two-shift system at "Hospital A", Fukuoka City, Japan, used a self-rated depression scale (SDS) to assess their depression levels. Fatigue levels were measured with the visual analogue scale for fatigue (VAS-F); saliva was collected before and during shifts for three days. Results were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Thirty-six valid records were obtained, and subjects were classified according to SDS scores into a normal group (NG), moderate group (MG) and severe group (SG). There were no significant differences in the day shift salivary cortisol values of the three groups. However, the night shift salivary cortisol value for the SG was 0.132 µg/dl at 16:00, before starting the shift, and decreased to 0.036 µg/dl at 20:00. It increased slightly up to 0.057 µg/dl by 24:00 and formed a peak between 5:00 and 7:00, with the levels being 0.322 µg/dl and 0.305 µg/dl respectively. Meanwhile, the NG cortisol value was 0.154 µg/dl before the shift, decreased to 0.034 µg/dl by 20:00, slightly increased up to 0.093 µg/dl by 5:00 and presented its peak value, 0.253 µg/dl, at 7:00 next morning. SG nurses presented significantly increased salivary cortisol levels early in the morning during night shifts, showing a phase deviation in the circadian rhythm. Because subjective fatigue levels did not differ with time, SG nurses should understand and deal with physical changes in the early morning. This approach may reduce medical accidents and malpractice in the early morning.

A Comparison of Capillary, Venous, and Salivary Cortisol Sampling after Intense Exercise

Venipuncture is expensive, invasive, and impractical for many sport-science and clinical-based settings. Salivary free cortisol is often cited as a noninvasive practical alternative. However, when cortisol concentrations exceed the corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) point of 500 nmol/L, a lack of agreement between salivary and venous blood cortisol has been found. Alternatively, capillary blood may present a minimally invasive, cost-effective, and practical surrogate for determining cortisol concentration. The aim of this study was to determine whether cortisol concentrations sampled from capillary blood and saliva accurately reflect those found in venous blood across a large range of concentrations after intense exercise. Eleven healthy aerobically trained male subjects were recruited. Capillary, salivary, and venous blood samples were collected before and after (immediately and 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after) a treadmill VO(2) max test. Capillary and venous concentrations increased at a similar rate after exercise (Cohen d.14-.33), increasing up to 15 min postexercise before a decline was seen. Salivary cortisol values increased at a slower rate than venous and capillary cortisol but continued to increase 15 min postexercise (Cohen d .19-.47 and .09-.72, respectively). Capillary cortisol accurately reflects concentrations assayed from venous blood across a range of values below and above the CBG binding point. Capillary sampling provides a minimally invasive, cost-effective, practical surrogate for assessment of hypothalamic-pituitary-gland function.

Psychophysiological Responses of Firefighters to Emergencies: A Review

Firefighters perform strenuous muscular works in hazardous environments and chaotic conditions, under time pressure and psychological stress. Various studies have shown high values of oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate concentrations and salivary cortisol and A-Amylase in laboratory test, in real-life and simulated interventions of firefighters. These high values have been attributed to the combined effect of the metabolically active muscle, thermoregulatory strain and fatigue resulting from the protective gear and a self-contained breathing apparatus in addition to further supplementary overweight (i.e., lifting weights, rescuing victims). In order to protect health and safety of firefighters and victims during emergencies, high levels of cardiovascular endurance and strength in firefighters are strongly recommended. In fact, high levels of physical fitness showed to increase firefighters’ work ability, safety and decreased risk of injury.

The influence of Aconitum Napellus versus placebo, on anxiety and salivary cortisol, in stress induced by intense and short term physical effort

Background: Intense and short term physical effort is a stress factor for sedentary persons. The correctly chosen homeopathic remedy, in other words the simillimum, modulates physical, emotional and mental level of the person to whom it was given, therefore also the psycho-emotional state stress-induced. Aconitum Napellus (AN) is characterized by a state of anxiety, anguish of mind and body, fear, physical and mental restlessness. Aims . The objective of the study is to highlight the AN influence on the dynamic of two parameters, anxiety and salivary cortisol, in peri - stress changes induced by intense and short term physical effort, on sedentary subjects. Methods: All chosen subjects (n = 30) had AN recommendation and had voluntary participated, according to the requirements of the study. Stress was represented by an intense and short term physical effort, made with a Monark Ergomedic 839E cycle ergometer. Three groups of subjects were selected, the first, the control group (C), who was not given anything; the second, who received placebo (P); and the third who received AN. Test was made the days after taking P and AN. Analyzed indicators were anxiety and salivary cortisol. Statistical evaluation was made on the basis of Student test. Results: Although the values for anxiety and salivary cortisol were slightly higher on C compared with P, differences between them were not significant. At all peri-stress times, anxiety and salivary cortisol values in C and P were higher than in AN, significant differences being: immediately pre-stress for anxiety; immediately pre-stress and immediately post-stress for salivary cortisol. Conclusions: 1) Influence on anxiety and salivary cortisol was significantly more intense in AN compared to P. 2) Under AN influence, anxiety and salivary cortisol were significantly reduced immediately pre- and post effort. 3) AN significantly influenced more anxiety than salivary cortisol, immediately pre- and post-stres times. 4) AN may be an effective, safe and accessible modulion path for stress caused by intense and short term physical effort, on AN constitutional sedentary persons.

Stress among nurses: an examination of salivary cortisol levels on work and day off

The present study evaluates the use of salivary cortisol concentration as a physiological index of the stress level among nurses on their work day and day off and correlates it with the questionnaire used to measure occupational stress in nurses (Inventário de Estresse em Enfermeiros - IEE). This is a comparative, cross-sectional descriptive study in which sociodemographic data, IEE results and salivary cortisol levels were used. Fifty-seven nurses participated in the study (80.7% females and a mean age of 37.1 years old). The IEE average score was 124.5. The average cortisol level was 564.1 ng/m on work day and 354.1 ng/mL on day off. Nurses who had double workdays presented high values of salivary cortisol during the work day (638.1 ng/mL). In conclusion, salivary cortisol identified the nurses' stress level, and differences were found between a work day and day off. On the nurses' day off, their salivary cortisol levels and stress scores were lower.

Estresse em enfermeiros: o uso do cortisol salivar no dia de trabalho e de folga

The present study evaluates the use of salivary cortisol concentration as a physiological index of the stress level among nurses on their work day and day off and correlates it with the questionnaire used to measure occupational stress in nurses (Inventario de Estresse em Enfermeiros - IEE). This is a comparative, cross-sectional descriptive study in which sociodemographic data, IEE results and salivary cortisol levels were used. Fifty-seven nurses participated in the study (80.7% females and a mean age of 37.1 years old). The IEE average score was 124.5. The average cortisol level was 564.1 ng/m on work day and 354.1 ng/mL on day off. Nurses who had double workdays presented high values of salivary cortisol during the work day (638.1 ng/mL). In conclusion, salivary cortisol identified the nurses’ stress level, and differences were found between a work day and day off. On the nurses’ day off, their salivary cortisol levels and stress scores were lower.