Atypical secretion of cortisol in Nursing professionals

Authors

  • Siomara Tavares Fernandes Yamaguti Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Amanda Roca Blasques de Mendonça Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Daniela Coelho Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Amanda Luiz Machado Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Juliana Nery de Souza-Talarico Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem; Departamento de Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000700016

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.

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Published

2015-12-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Atypical secretion of cortisol in Nursing professionals . (2015). Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 49(spe), 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0080-623420150000700016