scholarly journals Network between Cytokines, Cortisol and Occupational Stress in Gas and Oilfield Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1118
Author(s):  
Marcella Reale ◽  
Erica Costantini ◽  
Chiara D’Angelo ◽  
Luca Coppeta ◽  
Rocco Mangifesta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Function ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Immune Status ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Stress Levels

To test whether gas and oil field work is accompanied by stress and altered immune function, the perception of workplace stress, levels of salivary cortisol, plasma levels, and mononuclear cell production of cytokines were examined in 80 healthy workers recruited among a population of operators on gas and oilfields. Specific questionnaires for determining the perception of anxiety, occupational stress, and subjective symptoms were administered. Salivary cortisol and cytokines plasma levels were evaluated by Elisa and to investigate immune function, both spontaneous and PHA- or LPS-induced expression and production of cytokines were assessed by qRT-PCR. Workers showed medium stress levels at work, with growth and increased motivation for work, and based on salivary cortisol concentrations, were divided into two groups of ≤10 ng/mL (n = 31) or >10 ng/mL (n = 49). Statistically significant higher plasma levels of IL-6, while lower TNFα, were detected in workers with cortisol >10 ng/mL. Also, BMI, DL, JD and Job strain were significantly higher in workers with cortisol >10 ng/mL. Thus, even modest variations of cortisol might have a role in the modulation of immune response and worker’s vulnerability to health imbalance.Thus, the evaluation of immune status, in addition to cortisol levels, could be useful to prevent illnesses; exacerbation of pre-existing conditions; morbidity; and consequent absences from work, with economic repercussions.

Non Emergency Calls-Depression Coupling in Call Handlers of Rescue 1122 Punjab, Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (Spring 2019) ◽  
pp. 43-55
Author(s):  
Syed Kamal Abid ◽  
Mujahid Hussain ◽  
Muhammad Raza ◽  
Rizwan-ul Haq ◽  
Rizwan Naseer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Independent Predictor ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Control Room ◽  
Emergency Calls ◽  
And Control ◽  
Evening Shift

The study was conducted to know whether bulk inflow of Non Emergency Calls (NECs) acts as an independent predictor for depression in call handlers of Rescue 1122, Punjab, Pakistan. Forty five (45) call handlers were recruited from evening shift of 9 districts. Similarly, same-sized control group was made out of field rescuers. The groups were compared for rate and severity level of depression using Beck’s Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). Probable predictors (except workplace stress) for depression in call handlers were evaluated through risk estimates. For workplace stress, a purposefully developed close- ended Workplace Stress Questionnaire including two subscales i.e. Non Emergency call and Control Room Environment of 30 items each was administrated. Twenty nine (64.4%) subjects of study group reported depression on BDI. Consequently, the same group had significantly higher mean depression score than control (18.2 vs. 12.6; p = .00). The scores also showed insignificant association with any of the probable predictors (demographic variables) of the call attendees. The respondents perceived more occupational stress against NECs. The findings attract the attention of authorities towards the severity of the concern.

scholarly journals The Effects of Open Space on Reducing Workplace Stress: Case Study of Business Park in the Post-Socialist Urban Setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 336
Author(s):  
Jelena Maric ◽  
Djukic Aleksandra ◽  
Branislav Antonic ◽  
Danilo Furundzic ◽  
Vladimir Parezanin
Keyword(s):  
Business Performance ◽  
Open Space ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Stress Levels

Working people spend around 54% of their waking hours at a workplace, according to recent statistics. Work-related stress is unavoidable, and it can damage the health of employees and affect business performance. In this paper, we argue that open space inside the workplace environment can have a positive influence on reducing overall stress levels in all the categories of users. To our knowledge, there is a significant lack of research considering specific business districts and the gated complexes called business parks, especially in post-socialist Eastern European cities, where there they are still a novelty. Empirical research in this study is on the single case study of Business Park “Airport city” in Belgrade, Serbia. Its main focus is on the survey conducted with 235 participants based on a questionnaire, which examines the relation between workplace stress and workplace environments. The findings from the questionnaire show that the frequency, duration, and activity of open space usage influence the stress levels of employees in this specific workplace, while it is not visible relating to their age and gender. Additionally, final implications suggest that improved open space, such as well-expected greenery, but also the urban design non-associative to workspace and the socialization and exercise amenities customized for frequent and short work breaks, can facilitate the overall well-being of employees. They are innovative elements in relatively underdeveloped research on stress measures with open space usage characteristics in the specific (gated) workplace setting.

الضغوط المهنية لدى معلمي ومعلمات التربية المهنية في الأردن في ضوء بعض المتغيرات

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-67
Author(s):  
Sameer Shdaifat ◽  
Jaafar Abusaa
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Stress Level ◽  
Primary Teachers ◽  
Male Teachers ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Occupational Education ◽  
The Public ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stress Levels

The present study aimed to identify the occupational stress level of occupational education female and male teachers. It also aimed to identify whether there is any difference between the respondents’ occupational stress levels which can be attributed to their (gender, experience or school stage). The study’s population consists from all the all the occupational education female and male teachers who work at the public schools affiliated with the first and second directorates of education in Irbid (i.e. 320 teachers). As for the sample, it consists from 100 female and male teachers. Those teachers were selected through using the random stratified sampling method. Those teachers were selected from the public schools affiliated with the first and second directorates of education in Irbid. The researchers chose a descriptive survey research design. They developed an instrument (i.e. a questionnaire) for measuring the occupational stress level of teachers. It was found that the occupational stress level of the occupational education female and male teachers is high. It was found that there is a statistically significant difference between the respondents’ occupational stress levels which can be attributed to gender. The latter difference is for the favor of males.  It was found that there is a statistically significant difference between the respondents’ occupational stress levels which can be attributed to experience. The latter difference is for the favor of the ones who possess moderate experience. It was found that there is a statistically significant difference between the respondents’ occupational stress levels which can be attributed to the school stage. The latter difference is for the favor of the lower primary teachers. In the light of the aforementioned results, the researchers recommend exerting effort to reduce the occupational stress level of occupational education female and male teachers. Such efforts include creating convenient psychological and occupational environments. The researchers also recommend providing the lower primary teachers with attention by the Ministry of Education in Jordan. That can be done through providing those teachers with training & development programs. That can be also done through raising their socio-economic levels and providing them with financial & moral incentives & rewards.

scholarly journals Occupational Stress and Quality of Life in Nursing

2016 ◽  
Vol 26 (63) ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aline Moraes da Silva ◽  
Liliana Andolpho Magalhães Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Job Strain ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Demographic Questionnaire ◽  
High Control ◽  
Nursing Professionals ◽  
Short Form Health

Abstract To reduce the work related to stress and the psychosocial risk is not only an imperative question, but also moral. This epistemological study aims to verify the presence of the occupational stress and quality of life related to health in nursing professionals. We used three questionnaires: (a) Socio Demographic Questionnaire, (b) Job Strain Scale, and (c) Item Short Form Health Survey. Statistical analysis was performed between the questionnaires, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and simple and multiple linear regression. It was found that 60.8% of the participants see the high demand of work, 71.8% high control on the developed activity and 85.5% low social support. Related to eight dominant of quality of life, the most damaged are: pain (µ = 61.87) and vitality (µ = 62.25). It was concluded that although in most sample experiences an intermediary risk situation to stress, the quality of life showed a damaged.

scholarly journals Research on the Effects of Occupational Stress and the DRD2 Gene on the Psychological Health of Workers in the Xinjiang Desert Oil Field

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ting Jiang ◽  
Gulijianati Wumaier ◽  
Xue Li ◽  
Xu Yang ◽  
Jiwen Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Psychological Disorders ◽  
Oil Field ◽  
Desert Environment ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Oil Workers ◽  
Arid Desert ◽  
Personal Strain ◽  
The Relationship

Background: This study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and the mental health of people working in oil fields in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, and revealed the causal relationship between occupational stress and psychological disorders, while furthermore exploring the relationship between psychological disorders and genetic levels.Methods: The participants of this study included oil field company workers from the Xinjiang Petroleum Administration of Karamay City, Xinjiang, who underwent occupational health examinations. The Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R) was used to measure the occupational stress of the oil workers. The mental health status of oil workers was evaluated using the Symptoms Checklist-90.Results: Occupational tasks: The total scores of the personal strain and mental health questionnaires were positively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis (P < 0.05). Individual coping resources and the mental health total score was negatively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis. The following factors were identified as mental health risk factors: female gender; age 45 and above (relative to ≤30 years old); high scores on the personal strain questionnaire; occupational stress; external effort; internal investment; and high effort-low return. The following factors were identified as protective factors for mental health: Han nationality; oil transportation (relative to drilling); individual resilience; and work returns. In respect to the abnormal psychological group and the normal psychological group, statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies at the rs1800497 locus (P < 0.05). The depression and paranoia scores observed between different genotype groups at the rs1800497 locus were statistically significant (P < 0.05).Conclusions: This study shows that occupational stress and the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene have an impact on the mental health of oil field workers in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang. Effort-reward imbalance and occupational stress were identified as risk factors for mental health, while rewards for work were protective factors. Higher levels of occupational stress may lead to depression and other psychological disorders, adversely affecting mental health. In oil field operators in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, the AA genotype of the DRD2 gene in the rs1800497 locus was identified as a genotype specific to susceptibility to mental health problems, and a correlation was found between the A allele and an increased risk of psychological problems. Therefore, it is necessary to devise relevant measures to alleviate occupational stress among oil workers and increase their job rewards, so as to improve their mental health.

scholarly journals Relationship Between Salivary Cortisol, Self-Assessed Stress Levels, and Body Mass Index in High Achieving High School Adolescents

Elements ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Samir
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metabolism Regulation ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
High Achieving

Studies of stress and cortisol levels in adults indicate that keeping normal levels of cortisol is beneficial to subjects. The hormone cortisol has many functions including proper glucose metabolism, regulation of blood pressure, immune function, and inflammatory  response. When cortisol levels spike, as with stress, there can be a negative effect on the individual. Due to the hectic pace of modern life, the body’s stress response does not always have time to return to normal, leading to cortisol levels remaining too high. This can lead to suppressed thyroid function, blood sugar imbalances, higher blood pressure, lowered immunity, and increased abdominal fat. Stress plays a prominent role in the lives of millions of people all across the globe. This problem is not one that affects solely the adult population but also a multitude of adolescents and children. Oftentimes, stress can have both a physical and psychological effect on an individual. Many persons report an effect on food consumption when under stressful situations, causing one to either eat more or less than normal. In turn, these eating patterns can potentially influence the Body Mass Index (BMI) of an individual. While increased stress can lead to a higher or lower than normal cortisol level and BMI in adults, the role in adolescents is not entirely clear. This study investigated whether there is a relationship between stress and BMI in high-achieving adolescents, aged 14 to 18. The Perceived Stress Scale survey paired with additional questions that helped determine variables believed to impact stress levels were administered to determine overall stress levels in each subject. To determine cortisol levels, a competitive enzyme immunoassay was used.  This study indicates that there   are no significant correlations between perceived stress levels, salivary cortisol levels, and BMI in this group of individuals. However, a distinct difference in self-assessed stress levels was apparent between males and females. Somewhat unexpectedly, a negative relationship was found between BMI and salivary cortisol levels and perceived stress and salivary cortisol levels.

scholarly journals Occupational Stress and Job Burnout among Primary and Secondary School Teachers in Cuttack, Orissa, 2013

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joyce Mathews
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Secondary School Teachers ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Job Burnout ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Older Teachers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Primary And Secondary School

The purpose of this study was to explore the levels of occupational stress and job burnout among teachers working in primary and secondary schools and identify the relationship between the selected demographic data with the stress levels. The sample consisted of 100 teachers from 4 schools in Cuttack, Orissa. The instruments used to measure the variables were: 1.Headington Stress Index questionnaire, 2.Headingtacon Burnout Inventory, 3. Self care and Lifestyle Balance Inventory. The statistical techniques of descriptive statistics, ANOVA analysis and Pearson’s coefficient were employed to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicated that a major portion of the teachers’ population faced moderately low stress and burnout, and the remaining faced moderately high stress and burnout. Younger teachers are reported to have more stress than the older teachers. Higher the burnout among teachers, lower was the lifestyle balance among them. Experience, gender and grade did not affect the stress levels among teachers.

Occupational stress within the paramedic profession: An initial report of stress levels compared to hospital employees

1986 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. 536-539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey S Hammer ◽  
James J Mathews ◽  
John S Lyons ◽  
Nancy J Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Initial Report ◽  
Hospital Employees ◽  
Stress Levels

Development and Evaluation of an Online Toolkit for Managers of 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Centers to Reduce Occupational Stress

2021 ◽  
pp. 152483992110423
Author(s):  
Hendrika Meischke ◽  
Megan Rogers ◽  
Sarah Manchanda ◽  
Jeanne M. Sears ◽  
Debra Revere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Stress Reduction ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Workplace Stress ◽  
Digital Learning ◽  
Registration Data ◽  
Qualitative Thematic Analysis ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Utility Measures

This article describes the development and evaluation of an online workplace stress reduction toolkit for use by managers of 9-1-1 emergency communication centers (ECCs). A three-step process for development and testing of digital learning resources was used: (1) establishing need and focus through ECC manager stakeholder engagement, (2) pretesting of the toolkit with the target ECC manager audience, and (3) toolkit utilization and evaluation. The toolkit was developed in close partnership with stakeholders throughout the entire process. Toolkit usage was documented via registration data. The evaluation utilized an online survey that included closed and open-ended questions, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Over a 20-month period, 274 people registered for the toolkit and, of those, 184 (67%) accessed the content. Respondents to the evaluation survey (N = 156) scored the toolkit highly on satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived utility measures. Survey respondents reported intent to apply toolkit content through the following: providing organizational resources to help workers take better care of themselves (41%); creating a lower stress worksite environment (35%) and sharing resources with staff to (1) reduce stress (19%), (2) support conflict resolution (21%), and (3) prevent and/or stop bullying (17%). In delivering actionable content to ECC managers, the toolkit shows promise in addressing and mitigating occupational stress in ECCs. Further research needs to determine the relationship of this strategy for reducing ECC stress.

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