Stress and Allostatic Load in a High Complexity Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: the allostatic load is the cumulative wear suffered by the organism when it is forced to an intense and uninterrupted stress response. The objective of the paper was to investigate work stress and allostatic load in a high complexity hospital. Materials and Method: 74 health professionals (nurses and doctors) from a high complexity hospital in Mendoza, Argentina, were evaluated. The allostatic load was evaluated using an index made up of biological (by anthropometric and biochemical determinations) and psychological variables (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Work stress was assessed with the Demands, Control and Support Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire. Results: 63.5% of the total sample registered high work stress. 32% obtained a high level of allostatic load. The group with high allostatic load had most of the biological parameters out of range, as well as more depression than the group with low allostatic load. The group with high allostatic load was older and had more years of hospital service. Conclusion: a considerable percentage of professionals in the hospital setting suffers from work stress and high allostatic load with alteration of biological and psychological markers