Assessment of urinary free cortisol level and its correlation to occupational fatigue in carpet weavers

Abstract

Background and aims: Fatigue has a high prevalence in working population and associated with psychological stress in work environment, strongly. Occupational fatigue has negative effects on human errors and performance. Self report fatigue and hormonal change are fatigue assessment tools. This study aimed to evaluate acute fatigue and Urinary Free Cortisol level of carpet weavers in working and non-working day. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted for 12 carpet weavers in 2013. Three Urine sample and 3 fatigue rating are collected in working and non-working days. Urinary free Cortisol measured by ELISA method and occupational fatigue level determined by valid and self-report scale (VAS-fatigue index). Data were analyzed by STATA 11 software. Results: Cortisol level in working day (176.77) was higher than Cortisol level in non-working day (133.80). Important cause of significant difference in Cortisol level between working day and non-working day (p=0.001) is awaking Cortisol level. Fatigue changes in working day were significant (p=0.001), but were insignificant in non-working day. Cortisol level and fatigue in working days have a weak reverse correlation, but in non-working days wasn’t observed significant correlation. Conclusion: The study reported significant differences between morning Cortisol secretion and fatigue level in working and non-working days that indicate work-related stress have substantial impacts on workers. Acute fatigue hasn’t strong and effective factor on Cortisol level and application of Cortisol change for fatigue assessments is not recommended.

Keywords

• urine free cortisol (ufc)
• occupational fatigue
• stress
• ergonomics
• carpet weaver