Mental distress among healthcare workers due to COVID-19 during second wave in a tertiary care center of South Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in India are facing physical and psychological pressure. The pandemic has significant psychological impacts. Hence, we wanted to assess the mental stress and social stress among HCWs during the second wave of COVID-19. Aim and Objectives: Assessment of the mental distress among HCWs of tertiary care level institution during second wave of COVID-19 with the following objectives: (1) To know the sociodemographic characteristics of the HCWs of tertiary care center and (2) to assess the psychological stress among healthcare workers of a tertiary health center. Material and Methods: It is a cross-sectional and observational study conducted in hospital setting, in a tertiary care setting. Data were collected from 196 HCWs of the institute. Institutional ethical clearance was taken before the study. Structured questionnaire included sociodemographic variables, work-related variables, and variables to assess social stress. We used hospital anxiety and depression scoring questionnaire to assess anxiety and depression. Data were collected through personal interviews and online through Google forms after taking informed consent. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests are used analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 21 for Statistical analysis. Results: A total of 196 HCWs, 121 doctors, 74 nursing staff, and one ward staff participated in the study. Nursing staff were at higher risk for anxiety and depression, that is, 29% and 25% than others. Females were slightly more anxious (29%) and depressed (17%) than males. HCWs who are Muslim by religion were at more mental distress. Media exposure of more than 3 h had increased risk of mental distress. HCWs with other frontline COVID warrior as a partner were both anxious (40%) and depressed (20%). Anxiety (35%) was more among those who’s family members got COVID positive. About 25% of them faced social stigma, 55% of them faced issue of isolation with in the community, and 14% of them faced acts of violence which is unacceptable. Conclusions: Although its second wave HCWs are still having psychological distress which needs to be addressed. Social stress that they are facing is significant and is associated with higher anxiety and depression, which has to be taken seriously.

A teoria do estresse de minoria em lésbicas, gays e bissexuais / Minority stress theory in lesbian, gay, and bisexual people / La teoría del estrés de minoría en lesbianas, gays y bisexuales

A teoria do estresse de minoria (EM) defende que minorias sociais vivenciam estressores específicos adicionais aos estressores cotidianos. Fatores individuais e do meio podem funcionar como fatores de risco e/ou de proteção no comprometimento da saúde mental de pessoas LGB. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar e discutir a teoria do EM em indivíduos LGB por meio de uma revisão narrativa. Compreender a ocorrência do EM em pessoas LGB pode auxiliar na elaboração de planos interventivos, de ordem clínica ou social, com o objetivo de minimizar os efeitos do preconceito nestes indivíduos.

The minority stress (MS) theory argues that social minorities experience specific stressors added to everyday stressors. Individual and contextual factors can function as risk and/or protective factors without compromising the mental health of LGB people. This study aims to present and discuss the theory of MS in LGB individuals through a narrative review. Understanding the occurrence of MS in LGB people can assist in the elaboration of intervention plans, of a clinical or social nature to minimize the effects of prejudice in these situations.

La teoría del estrés de minoría (EM) argumenta que las minorías sociales experimentan factores estresantes que se agregan a los factores estresantes cotidianos. Los factores individuales y contextuales pueden funcionar como factores de riesgo o protectores sin comprometer la salud mental de las personas LGB. El objetivo de este estudio es presentar y discutir la teoría de EM en individuos LGB a través de una revisión narrativa. Comprender el EM en personas LGB puede ayudar en la elaboración de planes de intervención, de naturaleza clínica o social, con el objetivo de minimizar los efectos de los prejuicios en estas situaciones.

Influence of social stress on value of minimal anesthetic concentration of isuflurano in guan (Penelope obscura) captured in wildlife / Influência do estresse social sobre o valor da concentração anestésica mínima de isuflurano em jacus (Penelope obscura) capturados em vida livre

This study aimed to determine and evaluate whether there are differences in values of MAC in wildlife captured guan (Penelope obscura) under different conditions of social stress. This study used 27 bird species guan (P. obscura), divided into two groups: animals kept in the same enclosure (Collective Group) and animals kept in individual cages (Individual Group). The research was conducted at the Advanced Research Base of IBAMA, Painel/SC, and at the Clinical Veterinary Hospital of the "Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina", Lages/SC. The birds were captured using network trap with manual disarmament and transported to the Veterinary Hospital in cages. The animals were fasted for 2 to 6 hours before the procedure; anesthetic induction was performed with isoflurane for instrumentation. The isoflurane CAM was placed in the target value 1.3v% in the first animal of each group, and waited 15 minutes for the nociceptive (electric) stimulus, in the value of 50 hertz and 50mA, held in faradic form (3 consecutive simple stimuli, followed by 2 continuous stimuli). The stimulus was performed on the lateral side of the left pelvic limb in the tibiotarsal region, and the electrodes were fixed with a 22G needle at a distance of 5cm between them. The bird's responses to the stimulus were considered positive (wing movements, head or vocalization) or negative (not presented movements of wings, head or vocalization) and the MAC value of the animal was recorded. Negative responses reduced next birds' MAC value by about 10%, and MAC positive responses increased by about 10%. Statistical analysis was done by methods up and down and analyze quantal for MAC and paired t-test for equivalent or t-test for variances not equal variances for the physiological variables. At the end of the experiment, the birds were reintroduced in the same capture area. The MAC value of isoflurane in the Collective Group was 1.4v% and the Individual Group 1.9v% to 0.903atm. It is observed that guan (P. obscura) in the Collective Group showed lesser anesthetic resistance to isoflurane than the birds in the Individual Group, showing that some levels of social stress can influence the MAC values of the isoflurane.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar e avaliar se há diferença nos valores de CAM em jacus (Penelope obscura) capturados em vida livre e submetidos a diferentes condições de estresse social. Foram utilizadas 27 aves da espécie jacu (P. obscura) de vida livre, que depois de capturados foram alocados em dois grupos: 10 animais que permaneceram em grupo no mesmo recinto (Grupo Coletivo) e 17 animais que permaneceram em gaiolas individuais (Grupo Individual). A pesquisa foi realizada na Base de Pesquisa Avançada do IBAMA, Painel/SC, e no Hospital de Clínica Veterinária da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Lages/SC. A captura foi realizada utilizando armadilha de rede com desarmamento manual e as aves foram transportadas para o Hospital Veterinário em gaiolas. Os animais foram submetidos a um jejum alimentar de 2 a 6 horas antes do procedimento, a indução anestésica foi realizada com isoflurano para instrumentação. A CAM de isoflurano foi colocada no valor alvo 1,3v% no primeiro animal de cada grupo, e esperado 15 minutos para realização do estímulo nociceptivo (elétrico), no valor de 50 hertz e 50mA, realizado de forma farádica (3 estímulos simples consecutivos, seguidos de 2 estímulos contínuos). O estímulo foi realizado na face lateral do membro pélvico esquerdo na região tibiotársica, e os eletrodos fixados com agulha 22G a uma distância de 5cm entre elas. A resposta da ave ao estímulo foi considerada positiva (movimentos de asas, cabeça ou vocalização) ou negativa (não apresentou movimentos de asas, cabeça ou vocalização) e o valor de CAM do animal foi registrado. Para resultados negativos, a CAM da próxima ave foi reduzida em torno de 10%, para positivos a CAM foi aumentada em torno de 10%. A análise estatística foi feita pelos métodos up and down e análise quantal para a CAM e teste t de pareado para variâncias equivalentes ou teste t para variâncias não equivalentes para as variáveis fisiológicas. Ao final do experimento as aves utilizadas foram reintroduzidas na mesma área de captura. O valor da CAM de isoflurano no Grupo Coletivo foi de 1,4v% e no Grupo Individual a CAM de 1,9v% a 0,903atm, sendo o valor do Grupo Coletivo significativamente menor que o Grupo Individual. Observa-se assim que os jacus (P. obscura) que permaneceram em recinto coletivo apresentaram uma menor resistência anestésica ao isoflurano que as aves que permaneceram em recintos individuais, mostrando que alguns níveis de estresse social como os observados aqui podem influenciar sobre os valores da CAM do isoflurano.(AU)

The Psychophysiological Responses of the Chronic Ischemic Stroke Patients to the Acute Stress were Changed

Abstract: Mood disorder is one of the complications of stroke. The inability to cope with stress is also a prognosis of depression and anxiety. The aim of this study is to assess the response of stress system in the post stroke patients. Twelve healthy controls (HC) and twelve post-stroke patients after filling in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) which induces acute stress. Salivary samples were collected to determine salivary cortisol levels and ECG record were taken in four times (before, right after stress, after two recoveries: 20 and 40 minutes after stress). ECG was also recorded during TSST and then the linear and non-linear features of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were analyzed. The results showed that trait anxiety score and baseline salivary cortisol level were higher in post stroke than HC group (P-value <0.05). The increase of cortisol level after stress was only observed in HC that returned to baseline after the second recovery time. The stress increased the relative low frequency of HRV in both groups, however it was significantly lower in the stroke than HC group (P-value < 0.005). There was also a significant difference between alpha 1 DFA measures in stroke group and HC group (P-value <0.05). It is concluded that the impairment of the hormonal axis of stress system in the post-stroke patients that until now was not reported.

Adiposity and Cortisol Response to Stress in Indian Adolescents

Objective: We examined associations of different adipositymeasures with cortisol responses during the Trier Social StressTest for children (TSST-C).Design: Descriptive study.Setting: Holdsworth Memorial Hospital, Mysore, India.Participants: Adolescents aged 13.5y from a birth cohort wererecruited (N=269, 133 boys).Methods: The stressor (TSST-C) was 5-minutes each of publicspeaking and mental arithmetic tasks in front of two unfamiliar‘judges’. Salivary cortisol concentrations were measured atbaseline and at regular intervals after TSST-C. Weight, height,sub scapular and triceps skinfold thickness, and waist and hipcircumference were measured, and percentage body fat wasestimated (fat%; bioimpedance). Body mass index (BMI) andWaist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. All variables wereconverted into within-cohort SD scores before analysis. Stress-induced change in cortisol concentrations from baseline (cortisolresponse) was examined in relation to adiposity.Results: Stress increased cortisol concentrations significantlyfrom baseline (mean (SD): 5.5 (6.4) ng/mL; P<0.001). HigherWHR was associated with lower cortisol response at 20 and 30-minutes after stress (~0.13 SD decrease in cortisol response perSD higher WHR, P<0.05). Higher fat% was also associated withlower cortisol response only in girls 20-minutes post-stress (0.23SD lower response per SD higher fat%, P=0.004). Sum of skinfoldthickness and BMI were not associated with cortisol responses.Conclusions: Abdominal adiposity is associated with reducedhypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity to stress in thisadolescent population.

Rol Modulador de la Oxitocina en la Interacción Social y el Estrés Social / Oxytocin's Modulator Role in Social Interaction and Social Stress

La Oxitocina es un neuropéptido conocido por facilitar funciones del sistema nervioso periférico, relacionadas específicamente con el sistema reproductivo. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas se ha reconocido la función moduladora de la Oxitocina en el comportamiento social, a través de su liberación en el sistema nervioso central. Así mismo, estudios han mencionado que la Oxitocina es un potencial ansiolítico cuando un individuo ha sido sometido a estrés social. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una caracterización de la Oxitocina y su relación con distintas formas de interacción social y el estrés social; a través de los resultados presentados en distintos estudios, tanto en modelos animales como en humanos. Además, se intenta mostrar la importancia de continuar con el estudio de la Oxitocina, dados los posibles vacíos teóricos y experimentales existentes, teniendo en cuenta las potenciales cualidades ansiolíticas de esta hormona.

Oxytocin, a neuropeptide, is known to allow peripheral nervous system functions related specifically to the reproductive system. However, the modulatory function of Oxytocin in social behavior has been recognized in the last decades through its release in the central nervous system. Likewise, some studies have mentioned that Oxytocin is a promising anxiolytic when an individual has been exposed to social stress. Therefore, the objective in this review is to show a characterization of Oxytocin and its relationship with both social interactions and social stress, through results of studies in both animals and humans. Also, this review intends to show the importance of furthering the study of Oxytocin due to the theoretical and experimental voids in its current research, knowing the potential anxiolytic qualities of this hormone.

Social defeat protocol and relevant biomarkers, implications for stress response physiology, drug abuse, mood disorders and individual stress vulnerability: a systematic review of the last decade / Protocolo de derrota social e biomarcadores relevantes, implicações para a fisiologia de resposta ao estresse, abuso de drogas, transtornos do humor e vulnerabilidade individual ao estresse: revisão sistemática de estudos na última década

Introduction: Social defeat (SD) in rats, which results from male intraspecific confrontations, is ethologically relevant and useful to understand stress effects on physiology and behavior. Methods: A systematic review of studies about biomarkers induced by the SD protocol and published from 2002 to 2013 was carried out in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Knowledge and ScienceDirect. The search terms were: social defeat, rat, neurotrophins, neuroinflammatory markers, and transcriptional factors. Results: Classical and recently discovered biomarkers were found to be relevant in stress-induced states. Findings were summarized in accordance to the length of exposure to stress: single, repeated, intermittent and continuous SD. This review found that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a distinct marker of stress adaptation. Along with glucocorticoids and catecholamines, BDNF seems to be important in understanding stress physiology. Conclusion: The SD model provides a relevant tool to study stress response features, development of addictive behaviors, clinic depression and anxiety, as well as individual differences in vulnerability and resilience to stress. .

Introdução: A derrota social (social defeat, SD) entre ratos, resultado da confrontação intraespecífica entre machos, é etologicamente relevante e útil para o entendimento dos efeitos do estresse na fisiologia e no comportamento. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de estudos sobre biomarcadores induzidos pelo protocolo de SD publicados entre 2002 e 2013, usando as bases de dados PubMed, Web of Knowledge e ScienceDirect. Os termos usados na busca foram: derrota social, neurotrofinas, marcadores neuroinflamatórios e fatores de transcrição. Resultados: Biomarcadores clássicos ou recentemente descobertos mostraram-se relevantes nos estados induzidos pelo estresse. Os achados foram resumidos de acordo com o tempo de exposição ao estresse: SD única, repetida, intermitente ou contínua. O fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro se mostrou um marcador específico de adaptação ao estresse. Assim como glicocorticóides e catecolaminas, o BDNF parece ser importante para o entendimento da fisiologia do estresse. Conclusão: O modelo de SD oferece uma ferramenta importante para estudar características da resposta ao estresse, desenvolvimento de comportamentos aditivos, depressão clínica e ansiedade, bem como diferenças individuais de vulnerabilidade e resiliência ao estresse. .

Chronic Non-Social Stress Affects Depressive Behaviors But Not Anxiety in Mice

The etiology of most psychiatric disorders is still incompletely understood. However, growing evidence suggests that stress is a potent environmental risk factor for depression and anxiety. In rodents, various stress paradigms have been developed, but psychosocial stress paradigms have received more attention than non-social stress paradigms because psychosocial stress is more prevalent in humans. Interestingly, some recent studies suggest that chronic psychosocial stress and social isolation affects mainly anxiety-related behaviors in mice. However, it is unclear whether chronic non-social stress induces both depression- and anxiety-related phenotypes or induces one specific phenotype in mice. In the present study, we examined the behavioral consequences of three chronic non-social stress paradigms: chronic predictable (restraint) stress (CPS), chronic unpredictable stress (CUS), and repeated corticosterone-HBC complex injection (RCI). Each of the three paradigms induced mild to severe depression/despair-like behaviors in mice and resulted in increased immobility in a tail suspension test. However, anxiety-related phenotypes, thigmotaxis and explorative behaviors, were not changed by the three paradigms. These results suggest that depression- and anxiety-related phenotypes can be dissociated in mouse stress models and that social and non-social stressors might affect brain circuits and behaviors differently.

Efecto de la exposición a un protocolo de estrés social agudo sobre los niveles sistémicos de cortisol y la ejecución de una tarea de atención sostenida y dividida / Efeito da exposição a um protocolo de estresse social agudo sobre os níveis sistêmicos de cortisol e a execução de uma tarefa de atenção sustentada e dividida / Effects of exposure to an acute social stress protocol on systemic levels of cortisol and on the execution of a sustained and divided attention task

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar los efectos del estrés social agudo inducido experimentalmente con una versión modificada del TSST (Trier Social Stress Test), en los niveles sistémicos de la hormona cortisol y en la ejecución de una tarea de atención sostenida y dividida, en estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos. Los resultados mostraron que el protocolo modificado del TSST produjo incrementos en los niveles sistémicos de cortisol en los participantes de sexo masculino, pero no afectó la ejecución en la prueba PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task). Se discuten estos resultados a la luz de trabajos previos en los que se observan diferencias por género en los efectos del estrés.

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos do estresse social agudo induzido experimentalmente com uma versão modificada do TSST (Trier Social Stress Test), nos níveis sistêmicos do hormônio cortisol e na execução de uma tarefa de atenção sustentada e dividida, em estudantes universitários de ambos os sexos. Os resultados mostraram que o protocolo modificado do TSST produziu aumento nos níveis sistêmicos de cortisol nos participantes de sexo masculino, mas não afetou a execução na prova PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task). Discutem-se esses resultados à luz de trabalhos prévios nos quais se observam diferenças por gênero nos efeitos do estresse.

This research project examined the effects of acute social stress induced experimentally with a modified version of TSST (Trier Social Stress Test) on the systemic levels of the cortisol hormone and on the execution of a sustained and divided attention task, in male and female university students. Results showed that the modified TSST protocol caused increases in the systemic levels of cortisol in male participants, but did not affect the execution of the PASAT (Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task). The results are discussed in the light of previous studies in which gender differences in the effects of stress are observed.

Oxidative stress biomarkers and aggressive behavior in fish exposed to aquatic cadmium contamination

The objective of this study was to investigate the possible link between cadmium exposure, hepatic markers of oxidative stress and aggressive behavior in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish were first exposed to 0.75 mg/L CdCl2 for 15 days (12 isolated fish for each group) and afterward a behavioral test was performed. Fish from the control and cadmium-exposed groups were paired for 1 h (6 pairs of fish per group) for determination of aggressiveness parameters. Immediately after the behavioral test, the animals were sacrificed and the liver was used to determine biochemical parameters. Cadmium decreased aggression in Nile tilapia. Subordinate animals exposed to cadmium showed decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity compared to dominant ones. No alterations were observed in selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase Se-GSH-P and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase activities, but total superoxide dismutase activity was increased in subordinate animals exposed to cadmium compared to subordinate control. Catalase activity was increased in cadmium-exposed fish. Lipoperoxide concentrations also increased in cadmium exposed fish indicating that cadmium toxicity may affect oxidative stress biomarkers in Nile tilapia. Social stress induced lipoperoxidation in Nile tilapia, and subordinate animals exposed to cadmium responded with lower activities of liver antioxidant enzymes compared to dominant fish. The present study shows that cadmium exposure is capable of inducing changes in the social status and oxidative stress parameters in this species.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a possível relação entre a exposição ao cádmio, os marcadores hepáticos de estresse oxidativo e o comportamento agressivo em tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Os peixes foram primeiramente expostos à concentração de 0,75 mg/L de CdCl2 durante 15 dias (12 peixes isolados em cada grupo), após o qual o teste de comportamento foi aplicado. Peixes do grupo controle e do grupo exposto ao cádmio foram pareados durante 1 hora (6 pares de peixes por grupo) para determinação de parâmetros de agressividade. Imediatamente após o teste comportamental, os animais foram sacrificados e o fígado foi coletado para as determinações bioquímicas. O cádmio diminuiu a agressão em tilápias do Nilo. Animais subordinados e expostos ao cádmio mostraram uma redução na atividade da enzima glutationa peroxidase (GSH-Px), quando comparados aos dominantes. Nenhuma alteração foi observada na atividade da glutationa peroxidase dependente de selênio (Se-GSH-P) e na superóxido dismutase Cu Zn, mas a atividade total da superóxido dismutase aumentou em animais subordinados e expostos ao cádmio, quando comparado ao controle subordinado. A atividade da catalase aumentou em peixes expostos ao cádmio. As concentrações de lipoperóxido aumentaram em peixes expostos ao cádmio, indicando que a toxicidade deste pode afetar os biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em tilápias do Nilo. O estresse social induziu lipoperoxidação em tilápia do Nilo e animais subordinados e expostos ao cádmio responderam com baixas atividades de enzimas antioxidantes hepáticas do que em peixes dominantes. O presente estudo mostra que a exposição ao cádmio é capaz de induzir alterações no status social e nos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo nesta epécie.(AU)

The leishmaniases - survival and expansion in a changing world: a mini-review / x

The number of cases of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis is increasing globally at an alarming rate irrespective of the region and the leishmaniases are amongst the top emergent diseases in spite of control measures. In the present review attention is drawn to some of the reasons for this. The leishmaniases have expanded beyond their natural ecotopes due to the ecological chaos caused by man and this in turn affects the levels of his exposure to the vectors. Examples of how different phenomana (such as war, civilian migration, immuno-suppression caused by medication and viral infections, globalization of work and leisure and transmission outside endemic areas) contribute to the spread and increase of the disease are discussed.

Niveles de la presión arterial y de estrés psicosocial en estudiantes de la Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle: Cali, Colombia, 2003-2004 / Blood pressure levels and psychosocial stress in students of health sciences: University of Valle, Cali, Colombia, 2003-2004

Objetivo: Evaluar los niveles de estrés psicosocial y de presión arterial en personas jóvenes sanas y su posible correlación. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en estudiantes de la Facultad de Salud de la Universidad del Valle en Cali, Colombia. Los niveles de presión arterial y de estrés psicosocial se evaluaron al determinar la percepción de la funcionalidad familiar (APGAR Familiar) y los hechos imprevistos de cambio de vida mediante la escala de reajuste social. Resultados: Se estudiaron 185 estudiantes con una edad de 21.2±2.6 años, 178 (96%) solteros, 100 (54%) mujeres, 173 (93.5%) mestizos, 154 (83.2%) de nivel socioeconómico medio (estrato 3-4). La disfunción familiar se observó en 131 (70.8%) estudiantes, 66 (35.6%) presentaban casos de cambio en sus vidas. El promedio de la presión arterial en los estudiantes fue normal (106.4/69.7) con mayores niveles en los hombres (p<0.001) lo que se asoció con un mayor índice de masa corporal y con la raza negra ( p<0.001, p<0.02). La disfunción familiar no se asoció con cambios en los niveles de la presión arterial (p=0.80). El estrés generado por los sucesos de cambio en sus vidas tampoco se correlacionó con los niveles de presión arterial (p=0.98). Conclusión: En personas jóvenes sanas el estrés psicosocial fue alto para disfunción familiar y para acontecimientos inesperados de cambio en sus vidas sin correlación con los niveles de presión arterial, quizá por una adecuada funcionalidad del endotelio vascular.

Objective: To evaluate the levels of family stress, social stress and the blood pressure levels in young people and the possible correlation. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was performed recruiting healthy students of health sciences in the University of Valle in Cali, Colombia during 2002-2003. The psychosocial stress inventory included evaluation of the family stress and the evaluation of social stress. The blood pressure was evaluated by physicians using standardized technique with calibrated manual sphygmomanometers. Results: 185 students were recruited with an average age of 21.2±2.6 years old, 178 (96%) were singles, 100 (54%) were women, 173 (93.5%) were of mixed ethnic background, 154 (83.2%) were from middle socioeconomic level (level 3-4). The family dysfunction was observed in 131 (70.8%) students, 66 (35.6%) had high cumulative social changes. The average blood pressure level in all students was normal (106.4/69.7) with high blood pressure levels in males than in females (p<0.001) associated with the body mass index (p<0.001) and the black race ( p<0.02). Family dysfunction was not associated with changes in blood pressure (p=0.80). Social stress was not associated with blood pressure levels (p=0.98). Conclusion: In young people psychosocial stress was high but did not affect blood pressure levels probably due to compensatory physiologic action of vascular endothelium.