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. 2015;53(1):5-20.
doi: 10.2486/indhealth.2014-0122. Epub 2014 Sep 13.

Measuring allostatic load in the workforce: a systematic review

Daniel Mauss  1 , Jian Li, Burkhard Schmidt, Peter Angerer, Marc N Jarczok
Affiliations

Measuring allostatic load in the workforce: a systematic review

Daniel Mauss et al. Ind Health. 2015.

Abstract

The Allostatic Load Index (ALI) has been used to establish associations between stress and health-related outcomes. This review summarizes the measurement and methodological challenges of allostatic load in occupational settings. Databases of Medline, PubPsych, and Cochrane were searched to systematically explore studies measuring ALI in working adults following the PRISMA statement. Study characteristics, biomarkers and methods were tabulated. Methodological quality was evaluated using a standardized checklist. Sixteen articles (2003-2013) met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 39 (range 6-17) different variables used to calculate ALI. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the number and type of biomarkers used, the analytic techniques applied and study quality. Particularly, primary mediators were not regularly included in ALI calculation. Consensus on methods to measure ALI in working populations is limited. Research should include longitudinal studies using multi-systemic variables to measure employees at risk for biological wear and tear.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Stress-regulating process from homeostasis to allostatic overload. DHEA-S: Dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate, CVD: cardiovascular disease.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Study selection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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