Proposal for a comprehensive index of allostatic load with secondary biomarkers derived from occupational medical examinations

Authors

Keywords:

allostatic load, occupational medical exam, cardiovascular health, stress

Abstract

Introduction: The Allostatic Load Index (ALI), originally developed in 1997 by Seeman et al., provides a possible approach to measure the cumulative influence of psychosocial factors on health and well-being, using indicators of functioning of potentially affected systems. Currently there is no standard set of biomarkers to measure allostatic load in occupational health studies. Objectives: To suggest a comprehensive indicator of allostatic load that can be obtained through routine occupational medical examination. Material and Methods: An exploratory study was carried out in 55 workers from the third level of health care attention. Secondary biomarkers that are part of the protocol for occupational medical examinations were selected to measure allostatic load.  The relationship between allostatic load and risk factors related to cardiovascular health, vulnerability to stress and the presence of stress symptoms was evaluated. Results: High values of allostatic load correlated significantly with poor cardiovascular health and a greater presence of stress symptoms. Conclusions: The results suggest the usefulness of using secondary biomarkers to measure allostatic load in the context of the occupational medical examination

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Author Biographies

Georgina Maritza López Pumar, Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores

Médico especialista de I grado en Higiene y de II grado en Higiene y Epidemiología, Máster en Epidemiología, Investigadora y Profesora Auxiliar. Departamento de Fisiología y Psicología

Roselia Inés Bustamante Rojas, INSAT

MÉDICO

Félix Jesús Amador Romero, INSAT

PSICÓLOGO

Arlene Oramas Viera, INSAT

PSICOLOGA

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Published

2021-06-25

How to Cite

1.
López Pumar GM, Bustamante Rojas RI, Amador Romero FJ, Oramas Viera A. Proposal for a comprehensive index of allostatic load with secondary biomarkers derived from occupational medical examinations. rev cuban salud trabajo [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 25 [cited 2025 Jun. 29];22(3):19-26. Available from: https://revsaludtrabajo.sld.cu/index.php/revsyt/article/view/216

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 3 (2021): (Septiembre-Diciembre)

Section

Original articles

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