Transition to a market economy and chronic psychosocial stress in northern Laos: An exploratory study of urinary free cortisol in rural residents

Abstract

Objectives: The indigenous population in northern Laos has experienced a transition from self-sufficiency to a market-oriented economy, which may have brought about unprecedented chronic psychosocial stress. This study examined the association between the transition to a market economy and urinary free cortisol (UFC) concentration as a stress biomarker among rural residents of three villages with different degrees of integration into the market economy. Methods: An interview survey and urine sample collection were conducted in August 2018 and March 2019. We measured the UFC concentration in spot urine samples collected in the morning from participants aged 20–60 years (n = 168) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to examine differences in UFC concentrations among villages by sex, with time of arrival for the survey, age, and body mass index included as covariates. Results: The UFC concentration was higher in men living in the village with the highest degree of integration into the market economy than in those in the two villages with a lower dependence on cash, possibly linking increased stress levels with a change in employment type. This trend was not observed in women. Conclusion: Socioeconomic changes incidental to a transition to a market economy may increase the stress levels of men in northern Laos.