FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PERCEIVED STRESS AND CORTISOL LEVELS IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

This article aimed to identify the factors associated with perceived stress and salivary cortisol levels in workers of the Family Health Strategy (ESF) in the municipality of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study with the collection of sociodemographic, occupational, and human biology data, application of the Perceived Stress Scale (ESP-10), and collection of morning salivary cortisol. Multiple linear regression was performed with perceived stress as the outcome, and non-parametric tests for cortisol were used. Perceived stress was significantly associated with age (p=0.001), salary dissatisfaction (p<0.001), and not practicing physical activity (p=0.005). The association between salivary cortisol levels and predictor variables showed statistical significance with alcohol consumption (0.005) and workplace violence (p=0.038), with cortisol levels being higher among those who did not experience violence. Therefore, perceived stress among primary healthcare workers was associated with age, economic dissatisfaction, and lack of physical activity. Cortisol levels were associated with not having experienced workplace violence and moderate alcohol consumption. Identifying stressors is essential for organizational and lifestyle changes in order to provide a positive environment and well-being for those who strengthen the Brazilian Unified Health System through their workforce.