Publication:

Relationship between hair cortisol status and blood pressure among chronic occupational stress-diagnosed healthcare professionals of Rivers State in Nigeria

Background The relationship between chronic occupational stress (COS)-related hair cortisol concentration (HCC) and arterial blood pressure (ABP) is inconsistent within the relevant preexisting literature. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of COS-related HCC on ABP among healthcare professionals (HPs) with a COS diagnosis.

Methods The cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 HPs in two healthcare settings in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria. Data were collected, including subjective measures of COS using the Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaires, as well as objective measures of COS using HCC at >128 pg/mg hair. COS diagnoses were defined using combined subjective and objective measures. Statistical analyses were conducted at a 95% confidence interval and an alpha level of 128 pg/mg hair, was associated with pre-hypertension (crude OR: 1.809 versus adjusted OR: 1.611; p<0.001) but more robust with hypertension (crude OR: 3.451 versus adjusted OR: 3.370; p<0.001).

Conclusions Current findings indicate a relationship between COS-associated HCC and the ABP indices, which should be considered during clinical management for COS.