Psychological stress factors and salivary cortisol in nursing students throughout their training^*

Factores de estrés psicológico y cortisol salivar en alumnos de enfermería a lo largo de la formación

ABSTRACT

Objective:

to analyze psychological stress factors and salivary cortisol concentration in nursing undergraduates throughout their training.

Method:

a cross-sectional, analytical, and comparative study carried out in an evening course using a sociodemographic questionnaire, an Instrument to Assess Stress in Nursing Students, and salivary cortisol analysis. The study included descriptive and comparative analyses and a multiple linear regression model.

Results:

187 participants answered the questionnaires, and 129 had their cortisol quantified. The domains Practical Activities Execution, Professional Communication, and Professional Training represented the stress factors with the highest mean values for 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th-year students compared to 1^st and 2^nd year. For the 5^th year, it was the domains Professional Communication and Professional Training compared to the 3^rd year and Environment compared to the 1st and 3rd year. A significant result was obtained between the times of cortisol collections for males (p < 0.0001), females (p < 0.0001), and for 1^st (p = 0.0319) 2^nd (p = 0.0245), and 5^th (p < 0.0001) years.

Conclusion:

Students in years 3 through 5 had higher exposure to stressors, and there were adjustments in cortisol production rhythmicity for students in years 1, 2, and 5.

DESCRIPTORS
Stres, Psychologica; Hydrocortison; Saliv; Student, Nursing