Cortisol as a Biomarker of Work-Related Stress in Firefighters: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Work-related stress results from exposure to factors such as high workloads and lack of control over ones work. This exposure stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to increase the secretion of stress-related glucocorticoid hormones, including cortisol. The main objective of this study was to investigate the production of cortisol (or cortisol levels) of firefighters in response to work-related stress. Methodology: For the systematic literature review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement was used. The research was developed in the databases SCOPUS, Web Of Science, and Pubmed. Results: Eleven articles were included in the present study, with hormonal and physiological assessments verifying the psychophysiological response to stress. Discussion: The nervous system and the endocrine system trigger the production of hormones called corticosteroids in response to stress. The primary corticosteroid is cortisol, produced in the adrenal gland. Exposure to extreme environments and involvement in intense physical activities impact hormone production and all stress biomarkers. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to confirm cortisol as a biomarker of occupational stress, particularly in occupations with high physical and mental demands such as firefighters. (c) 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.