Associations Between Dimensions of Job Stress and Biomarkers of Inflammation and Infection

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine associations between dimensions of job stress and indicators of chronic inflammation and infection. METHODS: Within a subsample from the BELSTRESS study of 892 male subjects free of cardiovascular disease, dimensions of job stress from the job demand-control-support model were related to biomarkers of inflammation (plasma fibrinogen concentrations, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A) and infection (titers against Chlamydia pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, and Helicobacter pylori). RESULTS: A negative association was found between job control and plasma fibrinogen concentration, independent from age, education, occupation, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of lipid-lowering and antihypertensive medication. Higher social support at work was independently related to an increased risk of positive titers against cytomegalovirus. CONCLUSIONS: Results confirm previous findings regarding elevated plasma fibrinogen and low job control.