Study of a population exposed to occupational stress: correlation among psychometrics tests and biochemical-immunological parameters.

A longitudinal study was carried out to evaluate the effect of psycho-physical and occupational stress on some biochemical and immunological parameters. The study was aimed to the identification of new and reliable method for the identification of subjects at high risk of occupational stress. 101 nurses which were working at several departments were enrolled. A blood sample was collected from all subjects after have filled the questionnaires at the time T0 and at the followed time points of 4 months (T1), 8 months (T2) and 12 months (T3). The self-reported questionnaires were: Rating Scale for Rapid Stress Assessment (VRS), General Health Questionnaire to 12 items (GHQ-12) Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and a questionnaire on the occupational satisfaction (SOD). Haemachrome glycaemia, homocysteine, cortisol, lymphocyte numbers and their subtypes (CD4, CD8, CD19, NK CD56, NK CD57), NK activity and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. A high reliability has been found between the psychometric tests. Correlations between biochemical and immunological variables were performed by Pearson coefficients and multiple regression analysis. Subjects with elevated value of stress evaluated as VRS and GHQ-12 score showed an altered immune response. A reduction of NK CD57 and IL-6 content better characterize the occupational satisfaction.