scholarly journals Association between caloric intake and work-related stress among nurses in two district hospitals in Ghana

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-56
Author(s):  
Nagumsi Nuhu ◽  
Joana K Ainuson-Quampah Ainuson-Quampah ◽  
Charles A Brown
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
World Health ◽  
District Hospitals ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Background: The nursing profession is generally perceived as tedious and stressful and has been shown to be associated with inappropriate caloric intake with its attending consequences of obesity and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: This study examined caloric intake and stress levels among nurses.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used, and a total of 85 nurses were sampled from two district level hospitals. Physiological and psychological levels of stress were measured using Salivary Cortisol Enzyme Immunoassay and the Cooper’s life stress inventory questionnaire, respectively. Body mass index (BMI) using height and weight measurements and caloric intake (using food frequency questionnaire and the 24h recall of participants) were also determined. Stress levels were compared to caloric intakes using the Pearson’s correlation test. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists, Version 21. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Participants were mostly females(90.60%) with a mean age±[standard deviation (SD)]of 34.86 ± 6.27 yr.and majority of them (68.20%) were married. More than half (52.94%) of the nurses were in the World Health Organization classification of overweight, with a mean BMI (±SD)of 26.11 ± 2.96 kg/m2. Their mean caloric intake (±SD) off duty (2368.74 ± 259.67 kcal) was significantly higher (p˂ 0.001) compared to that on duty (1784.80 ± 402.84 kcal). When off duty compared to on duty, the nurses also recorded significantly higher (p< 0.001) mean physiological stress scores(±SD)(61.18 ± 7.42 vs 17.12 ± 7.15) and salivary cortisol levels(±SD)(11.79 ± 1.06 μg/μL vs 5.10 ± 1.02 μg/μL). Significant positive correlations were observed for total caloric intakes and salivary cortisol levels for the nurses, both on duty [r = 0.585; 95% confidence interval(CI),0.425-0.780;p<0.001]and off duty (r= 0.316;95% CI, 0.113-0.498;p<0.003).Conclusion:The nurses had high stress levels whiles on duty and this was associated with low caloric intakes. Excessive caloric intakes were observed during off duty periods and associated with relatively lower stress levels.

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 Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Perceived Stress Scale Measures

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
Nuha Alwaqdani ◽  
Hala A. Amer ◽  
Reem Alwaqdani ◽  
Fahad AlMansour ◽  
Hind A. Alzoman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Perceived Stress Scale ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Stress Scale ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful and of considerable concern among health care workers (HCWs). Being particularly at increased risk for exposure, HCWs worry about becoming infected as well as infecting co-workers, patients and family members. Such distress and panic may have destructive effects on individuals and may last long after the pandemic situation leading to depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to measure and investigate the prevalence of the factors affecting psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. Methods A self-administered online survey—including perceived stress scale (PSS) questions—was disseminated among HCWs in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SA) between1st June and 30th July 2020. Results A total of 469 HCWs responded to the survey for a high response rate (93.8%). The PSS revealed that 15.8% of the respondents were suffering from high stress levels, 77.2% were suffering from moderate stress levels and 7% with low stress levels. Females and junior frontline staff reported more severe stress levels. Participation on the pandemic team shows significant impact on stress levels. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress levels among HCWs and affects their psychological wellbeing. Designing programs promoting HCWs mental health are crucial and emotional and psychological support strategies should be part of every public health crisis management plan.

scholarly journals The major worldwide stress of healthcare professionals during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic – the international COVISTRESS survey

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. e0257840
Author(s):  
Sébastien Couarraze ◽  
Louis Delamarre ◽  
Fouad Marhar ◽  
Binh Quach ◽  
Jiao Jiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Paramedical Staff ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Very High

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated an upheaval in society and has been the cause of considerable stress during this period. Healthcare professionals have been on the front line during this health crisis, particularly paramedical staff. The aim of this study was to assess the high level of stress of healthcare workers during the first wave of the pandemic. Materials and methods The COVISTRESS international study is a questionnaire disseminated online collecting demographic and stress-related data over the globe, during the pandemic. Stress levels were evaluated using non-calibrated visual analog scale, from 0 (no stress) to 100 (maximal stress). Results Among the 13,537 individuals from 44 countries who completed the survey from January to June 2020, we included 10,051 workers (including 1379 healthcare workers, 631 medical doctors and 748 paramedical staff). The stress levels during the first wave of the pandemic were 57.8 ± 33 in the whole cohort, 65.3 ± 29.1 in medical doctors, and 73.6 ± 27.7 in paramedical staff. Healthcare professionals and especially paramedical staff had the highest levels of stress (p < 0.001 vs non-healthcare workers). Across all occupational categories, women had systematically significantly higher levels of work-related stress than men (p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and stress level (r = -0.098, p < 0.001). Healthcare professionals demonstrated an increased risk of very-high stress levels (>80) compared to other workers (OR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.87–2.41). Paramedical staff risk for very-high levels of stress was higher than doctors’ (1.88, 1.50–2.34). The risk of high levels of stress also increased in women (1.83, 1.61–2.09; p < 0.001 vs. men) and in people aged <50 (1.45, 1.26–1.66; p < 0.001 vs. aged >50). Conclusions The first wave of the pandemic was a major stressful event for healthcare workers, especially paramedical staff. Among individuals, women were the most at risk while age was a protective factor.

Prevalence of problematic social media use among residents and teaching assistants in Ain Shams University Hospitals and faculty of medicine and its relationship to emotional distress

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Allam ◽  
G ELNahas ◽  
M El-Habiby ◽  
H Elkholy
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Media Use ◽  
High Stress ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Social Media Use ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Stress Levels ◽  
Problematic Social Media Use

Abstract Background Social media use becomes pervasive and universal among young adults including medical personnel. Furthermore, it become established that more frequent use of the social media is associated with negative psychological well-being, anxiety which represents the second leading cause of disability among all psychiatric disorders and depression which represents the single largest contributor to global disability according to the World Health Organization. The Aim of this study To analyze the relationship between the use of social media, stress level, anxiety and depression among residents in Ain Shams University Hospitals (ASUH) and academic demonstrators in faculty of medicine. Patients and Methods This is an observational cross-sectional study, Conducted in Ain Shams University hospitals (ASUH), we included 200 of staff and medical school academics in faculty of medicine, starting from February 2018 till August 2019. Results 33 participants showed average social media use representing 16.5% while 167 participants showed problematic social media use representing 83.5%. 11 participants showed low stress levels representing 5.5%, 127 participants showed moderate stress levels representing 63.5% while 62 participants showed high stress levels representing 31%. Conclusion Social media use by clinicians is widespread, especially by younger clinicians for personal and reference purposes. Use of multiple SM platforms is independently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, even when controlling for overall time spent in their use.

Cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-246
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Resende Camargos ◽  
Pedro Henrique Scheidt Figueiredo ◽  
Sueli Ferreira da Fonseca ◽  
Mariana Aguiar de Matos ◽  
Katherine Simone Caires Oliveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Cortisol Levels

AbstractBackgroundThe salivary circadian diurnal cortisol plays an important role in growth and development. Inappropriate levels may induce changes associated with an increased risk of obesity later in life. It is unknown if there are differences in cortisol secretion pattern between overweight/obese infants when compared with theirs peers in infancy. Thus, this study aimed to compare the salivary cortisol secretion pattern in overweight/obese and normal-weight infants.MethodsThirty-three (overweight/obese = 17 and normal weight = 16) infants between 6 and 24 months of age had saliva samples collected upon awakening (T1), 30 min after waking (T2), at 12:00 am or before the baby’s meal (T3), and prior to bedtime (T4). Highly sensitive enzyme immunoassays were used for cortisol analyses.ResultsSalivary cortisol levels were similar between the groups: T1 (p = 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −5.65, 1.37), T2 (p = 0.24; 95% CI: −8.23, 2.17), T3 (p = 0.95; 95% CI: −3.16, 2.96), and T4 (p = 0.81; 95% CI: −1.39, 1.08); and no differences were observed between area under the curve (AUC) (p = 0.80; 95% CI: −4.58–13.66). The cortisol level reduced in T4 (95% CI: 1.35–2.96) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.15–8.49) and T2 in the overweight/obese group (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 6.02–11.04). In the normal-weight group, the cortisol reduced in T3 (95% CI: 2.86–8.18) compared to T1 (95% CI: 5.64–12.28) and decreased until T4 (p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.25–3.37).ConclusionsThe overweight/obese infant group presented a different pattern of cortisol secretion, although cortisol levels did not differ between the control group.

scholarly journals Blunted Diurnal Cortisol Pattern Is Associated With Frailty: A Cross-Sectional Study of 745 Participants Aged 65 to 90 Years

2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (3) ◽  
pp. E464-E468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamimatunnisa Johar ◽  
Rebecca T. Emeny ◽  
Martin Bidlingmaier ◽  
Martin Reincke ◽  
Barbara Thorand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cortisol Reactivity ◽  
Diurnal Cortisol ◽  
Frailty Status ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Study Participants

Background: The role of neuroendocrine alterations in the etiology of frailty syndrome is still poorly understood. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation is a plausible candidate pathway contributing to frailty. Thus, we sought to examine the associations of diurnal cortisol secretion with frailty in older adults. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 745 study participants (age 65–90 years, mean age 75.1 years) of the population-based KORA Age study. Associations between salivary cortisol measures at awakening (morning 1 [M1]), 30 minutes after awakening (M2), and evening (E) and frailty criteria were determined. Results: Lower cortisol levels in the first morning sample (M1) (P = .18) and M2 (P = .14) and increased E levels (P = .004) were observed in prefrail (35.17%, n = 262) and frail (3.36%, n = 25) individuals, in a dose-response manner. Frailty was strongly associated with smaller ratios of morning to evening levels; M1 to E ratio (P = .02) and M2 to E ratio (P = .003). Higher evening cortisol levels were associated with a 24% increased risk of a prefrail state (odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.44). A smaller morning to evening ratio was associated with an increased risk of low grip strength (1.42, 1.09–1.86) and gait speed (1.31, 1.02–1.68). Conclusion: Frailty status is associated with blunted cortisol reactivity as demonstrated by lower morning and higher evening salivary cortisol levels.

scholarly journals Cortisol, Temperament and Serotonin in Karate Combats: An Evolutionary Psychobiological Perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide Ponzi ◽  
Harold Dadomo ◽  
Laura Filonzi ◽  
Paola Palanza ◽  
Annalisa Pelosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
Harm Avoidance ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Sport Competition ◽  
Physiological Stress Response ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
S Allele

Abstract Objectives There is evidence suggesting that in martial arts competitions athletes characterized by higher anxiety and harm avoidance may be more likely to lose a fight. This psychological profile has been hypothesized to explain in part the observation that cortisol is higher in losers before and in response to a competition. An important research target that needs further exploration is the identification of phenotypic traits that can be helpful in predicting athletes’ performance. Here we present a brief description of the theoretical bases that drives our research in the evolutionary psychobiology of sports and illustrate preliminary data on the relationship between the 5HTTLPR genotype, salivary cortisol, temperament and competition. Methods Sixty-five healthy male non-professional athletes provided saliva samples 10 min before and after a kumite session and filled out the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire. Results Salivary cortisol levels 10 min before the competition were higher in losers and in athletes with the S allele. Temperament was associated with competition outcome and cortisol: losers were characterized by higher scores of harm avoidance and harm avoidance was positively correlated with cortisol levels. Conclusions The results confirm previous findings linking temperamental traits, pre-and post- competition physiological stress response with competition outcome in kumite fight. Moreover, they indicate an association between the 5HTTLPR polymorphism and pre-competition salivary cortisol, thus providing a preliminary but non-conclusive evidence on the role played by the 5HTTLPR genotype as a vulnerability factor in sport competition.

scholarly journals Effect of music therapy on stress in chemically dependent people: a quasi-experimental study

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Glauco De Cunto Taets ◽  
Rafael Tavares Jomar ◽  
Angela Maria Mendes Abreu ◽  
Marcia Alves Marques Capella
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Group Intervention ◽  
Therapy Group ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Chemically Dependent ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Cortisol Levels

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the effect of music therapy on the stress of chemically dependent people. Method: quasi-experimental study conducted at a philanthropic institution with 18 chemically dependent people undergoing treatment. Salivary cortisol (stress hormone) was collected in three moments: before, 60 minutes after, and 120 minutes after a music therapy group intervention. Statistical analysis adopted a significance level of p < 0.05 and used the Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric tests. Results: after 60 minutes of intervention, there was a statistically significant reduction in mean salivary cortisol levels (p < 0.001). A reduction was also noted after 120 minutes, but without statistical significance (p = 0.139). Conclusion: a single session of 60 minutes of group music therapy was able to reduce stress (salivary cortisol levels) of chemically dependent people.

Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Dimension of Health: A Sensitive Issue to be Addressed at the Earliest

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 158-166
Author(s):  
Sunil Nepal ◽  
Sudip Nepal ◽  
Chakrakodi S. Shastry ◽  
Sharad Chand ◽  
U.P. Nandakumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
High Stress ◽  
World Health ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
The Impact

Background: The novel coronavirus disease outbreak of 2019 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization. At present, the virus has spread throughout the world, leading to millions of cases and is further increasing. Objective: The main objective of this study is to review the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the mental health of frontline workers, isolated and quarantined people and the general population. Methods: The relevant articles were extracted from PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect database by using the keywords “Mental health”, “COVID-19”, “Impact of COVID-19”, “Frontline workers”, “Quarantine”, “Isolation”, “Immunity” and “Economy”. The retrieved articles were included in the study based on inclusion criteria to perform the review. All the selected scientific articles were critically reviewed and the information is summarized in this narrative review. Results: The majority of the studies stated that frontline health workers were at an increased risk of depression. The infected, suspects and quarantined people were reported with high stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicidal thoughts. The pandemic has devastated the world’s economy, which has severely impacted global mental health. Conclusion: Mental health should be taken into account, and necessary interventional initiatives need to be considered both by the health authorities and the government to minimize the adversity of the consequences. The pandemic may disappear with the discovery of new vaccines or medications, but its negative impact on mental health may persist, particularly among vulnerable populations. Thus, mental health must be a matter of concern in the present scenario.

Subjective Anxiety Measurements and Cortisol Responses in Adults Who Stutter

1994 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 760-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gordon W. Blood ◽  
Ingrid M. Blood ◽  
Stephanie Bennett ◽  
Kathleen C. Simpson ◽  
Elizabeth J. Susman
Keyword(s):  
Trait Anxiety ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Communication Apprehension ◽  
High Stress ◽  
The State ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Cortisol Responses ◽  
Anxiety Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Anxiety, as measured by self-report inventories and salivary cortisol levels, was examined in 11 males who stutter and 11 males who do not stutter during baseline, low stress, and high stress sessions. During the high stress session salivary cortisol was significantly greater in persons who stutter than in persons who do not stutter. No significant differences were found between the two groups on the State-Anxiety Inventory, Trait-Anxiety Inventory, or the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension. Significant differences in anxiety levels among the baseline, low stress, and high stress sessions for both groups of subjects were found for the State-Anxiety Inventory. No other significant differences or relationships were found between the two groups.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document