CONTEXT: Although the effects of stress on health have been studied in numerous urban-dwelling populations, fewer studies have addressed these effects in rural populations, such as farmers and ranchers. PURPOSE: The present study focuses on seasonal levels of depressed affect and perceived stress in Western Colorado ranchers, and how those phenomena related to their levels of cortisol. METHODS: Twenty-one (21) ranchers, who were permittees on the Colorado Grand Mesa, completed the study. Participants identified 2-week time periods during the year representing relative high, medium, and low stress. During each period, participants took saliva samples, rated stress levels, and completed a daily health diary. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the perceived stress scale (PSS), and a life events scale (LES) were administered. RESULTS: Results showed a strong relationship between BDI-II and PSS scores (r = 0.748, P < .01). The decreased daytime cortisol decline supports the notion that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis negative feedback loop is disrupted in chronic stress and depression, thus resulting in chronically elevated cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: This study supports the relationship between stress, depression, and HPA dysregulation in ranchers.
CONTEXT: Although the effects of stress on health have been studied in numerous urban-dwelling populations, fewer studies have addressed these effects in rural populations, such as farmers and ranchers. PURPOSE: The present study focuses on seasonal levels of depressed affect and perceived stress in Western Colorado ranchers, and how those phenomena related to their levels of cortisol. METHODS: Twenty-one (21) ranchers, who were permittees on the Colorado Grand Mesa, completed the study. Participants identified 2-week time periods during the year representing relative high, medium, and low stress. During each period, participants took saliva samples, rated stress levels, and completed a daily health diary. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the perceived stress scale (PSS), and a life events scale (LES) were administered. RESULTS: Results showed a strong relationship between BDI-II and PSS scores (r = 0.748, P < .01). The decreased daytime cortisol decline supports the notion that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis negative feedback loop is disrupted in chronic stress and depression, thus resulting in chronically elevated cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: This study supports the relationship between stress, depression, and HPA dysregulation in ranchers.
Authors: Rebecca E Salomon; Kelly R Tan; Ashley Vaughan; Harry Adynski; Keely A Muscatell Journal: Int J Nurs Stud Date: 2019-09-13 Impact factor: 5.837
Authors: Sigurd Mikkelsen; Julie Lyng Forman; Samuel Fink; Marianne Agergaard Vammen; Jane Frølund Thomsen; Matias Brødsgaard Grynderup; Åse Marie Hansen; Linda Kaerlev; Henrik Albert Kolstad; Reiner Rugulies; Jens Peter Bonde Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2017-07-11 Impact factor: 3.015