Effect of Perceived Stress Factors on Cortisol Level Among Industrial Workers

Abstract

This cross-sectional study to evaluate the effect of perceived stress and hormone change will help the workers to better understand the way to manage and reduce stress. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between occupational stress symptoms, perceived stress level, and cortisol level in industrial workers. The study was conducted with 137 workers from the automotive parts manufacturing industry. The levels of perceived stress were assessed by a stress assessment instrument, and the stress symptoms were assessed by questionnaires; samples of urine were collected for the determination of urinary cortisol levels through an enzymatic immunoassay. The study results found that a sleep problem was a risk factor for increased stress symptoms (11.48; 95% CI, 1.37–26.24). The cortisol level of workers with elevated perceived stress was higher than that of office workers (control group). The office workers and operation workers groups had cortisol levels of 126.4 ng/mL and 187.8 ng/mL, respectively.  Increased perceived stress could lead to an increase in hypertension incidence. High cortisol could increase the risk of many stress symptoms. Our findings indicate that stress substantially contributes to symptom occurrence, with increased cortisol levels appearing to be a more influential factor than changes in health-related behaviors.