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. 2024 May 9;74(3):225-229.
doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqae017.

Job demands and DHEA-S levels: a study on healthcare workers

F Marcatto  1 , E Patriarca  2 , D Bramuzzo  2 , E Lucci  1 , F Larese Filon  2
Affiliations

Job demands and DHEA-S levels: a study on healthcare workers

F Marcatto et al. Occup Med (Lond). .

Abstract

Background: The intricate interplay between work-related stress and its physiological impact has drawn extensive research attention. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) emerges as a potential biomarker reflecting stress-related endocrine changes.

Aims: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between job demands and DHEA-S levels among healthcare workers. The study also explored potential correlations between DHEA-S levels and psychophysical symptoms commonly linked to work-related stress.

Methods: A sample of 488 healthcare workers from a local health authority participated. Job demands were measured using the Demands scale of the Health and Safety Management Standards Indicator Tool. DHEA-S levels and symptom prevalence were assessed through serum analysis and questionnaires, respectively.

Results: Workers exposed to high job demands exhibited significantly lower DHEA-S levels compared to those with low job demands. Psychophysical symptoms, including sleep disorders, depression, and headache, were more prevalent in the high-demands group. DHEA-S levels showed significant negative correlations with the prevalence of all considered symptoms.

Conclusions: The study shows the inverse relationship between job demands and DHEA-S levels among healthcare workers, indicating that high job demands correlate with reduced DHEA-S secretion and increased symptom prevalence. The findings suggest DHEA-S as a potential biomarker for assessing the physiological consequences of work-related stress. Proactive interventions in managing job demands are crucial for promoting employee well-being and productivity in demanding work environments. By recognizing DHEA-S as a stress biomarker, organizations can effectively address stress-related health risks and implement targeted interventions for enhancing employees' overall health and work performance.

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Conflict of interest statement

We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

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