The Relationship between Stress Biomarkers and Perceived Work Stress among Nurses and Behavioral Health Specialists

Authors: Abeer M. Alharbi, Nourah M. Alorainy, Alanoud A. Abu taleb, Sajidah A. Alhashem, Maha I. Alonazi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14381843

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8vbcz

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Occupational stress among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses and behavioral health specialists, significantly impacts their well-being and performance. This study explores the relationship between perceived work stress and physiological stress biomarkers.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary hospital with 150 participants (100 nurses and 50 behavioral health specialists). Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while biomarkers, including hair cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and heart rate variability (HRV), were measured to evaluate physiological stress.

Results: Nurses reported higher perceived stress levels (mean PSS-10 = 23.1) compared to behavioral health specialists (mean PSS-10 = 19.6; p < 0.01). Correspondingly, nurses exhibited elevated hair cortisol (31.6 pg/mg vs. 23.7 pg/mg; p < 0.001) and lower HRV (RMSSD: 32.4 ms vs. 40.6 ms; p < 0.01). Significant correlations were found between PSS-10 scores and biomarkers: hair cortisol (r = 0.63, p < 0.001), salivary alpha-amylase (r = 0.47, p < 0.01), and HRV metrics (RMSSD: r = -0.52, p < 0.01; LF/HF ratio: r = 0.45, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong relationship between perceived work stress and physiological biomarkers, with nurses showing higher stress levels than behavioral health specialists. These findings highlight the need for targeted stress management interventions in high-stress healthcare environments.

Keywords: Occupational Stress, Nurses, Behavioral Health Specialists, Biomarkers, Hair Cortisol, Salivary Alpha-Amylase, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Perceived Stress

Paper Id: 231807

Published On: 2022-05-04

Published In: Volume 10, Issue 3, May-June 2022

Cite This: The Relationship between Stress Biomarkers and Perceived Work Stress among Nurses and Behavioral Health Specialists - Abeer M. Alharbi, Nourah M. Alorainy, Alanoud A. Abu taleb, Sajidah A. Alhashem, Maha I. Alonazi - IJIRMPS Volume 10, Issue 3, May-June 2022. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14381843

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