Prediction of health risk and estimation of associated variables with work stress using allostatic load index

Abstract

Allostatic load index (ALI) detects health risk due to stress at early stages. The best way for defining high risk threshold values of ALI biomarkers is not agreed upon. Environmental factors associating stress are also in need of further investigation. Methods: Study sample included 62 Egyptian workers. Biochemical, clinical and anthropometrical measures were done for calculation of ALI. Risk quartile method, cutoff point method and risk quartile of cutoffs (new) were used for determination of risk thresholds. Results: The new risk quartile of cutoffs method was able to detect the highest ALI, showed significant correlations with greater number of biomarkers and highlighted more predictors of allostasis. Predictors of stress included age and gender. Conclusions: Risk quartile of cutoffs is a recommended new method more appropriate for calculation of high risk threshold of ALI biomarkers.