Atypical secretion of cortisol in Nursing professionals

Author(s)

Siomara Tavares Fernandes Yamaguti ^[1] ; Amanda Roca Blasques de Mendonça ^[2] ; Daniela Coelho ^[3] ; Amanda Luiz Machado ^[4] ; Juliana Nery de Souza-Talarico ^[5]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil

^[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem - Brasil

^[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Enfermagem. Departamento de Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Revista da Escola de Enfermagem da USP; v. 49, p. 109-116, 2015-12-00.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the frequency with which nursing staff in hospitals presents an altered diurnal pattern of cortisol secretion. Method These findings were based on results obtained from 56 randomly selected professional nursing staff working in outpatient clinics, medical clinics, surgical clinics, operating theaters, pediatric and adult emergency units, adult and pediatric intensive care units of a university hospital. The analysis of the diurnal cortisol pattern was based on saliva samples collected over two consecutive working days. Results 42.5% of these nursing staff members presented an atypical pattern of cortisol secretion. Furthermore, the longer the period of exercising this profession, the higher the cortisol concentration (r=0.346; p=0.020). Conclusion Over one-third of nursing staff samples displayed atypical cortisol secretion patterns. This suggests that these professionals are exposed, not only to a mental, but also to a biological, overload and thus, to a risk of contracting stress-related illnesses. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/01637-2 - Chronic stress biomarkers assessment in nursing professionals
• Grantee: Juliana Nery de Souza Talarico
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants