Salivary cortisol levels in Brazilian citizens of distinct socioeconomic and cultural levels.

Full Abstract

We have analyzed the perceived stress index, the basal salivary cortisol levels, and the awakening cortisol response (ACR) in 86 volunteers of low (LSES) and high socioeconomic status (HSES). The LSES presented higher perceived stress index and basal salivary cortisol levels, nonaltered ACR, or cortisol diurnal rhythm. We have concluded that the LSES is associated with high perceived stress index and salivary cortisol levels, which could impact negatively in health, and that it is related to the daily life stress experienced by individuals in the LSES group. Because the LSES corresponds to about 30% of the total Brazilian population, this conclusion might have a great impact on public health policies and costs.

Author information

Author/s: Garcia, Márcia C (MC); de Souza, Aglecio (A); Bella, Geruza P (GP); Grassi-Kassisse, Dora M (DM); Tacla, Artur P (AP); Spadari-Bratfisch, Regina C (RC);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (Ann N Y Acad Sci), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Dec; vol 1148 (issue ) : pp 504-8

Dates: Created 2009/01/05; Completed 2009/01/23;

PMID: 19120148, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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