RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We wanted to investigate the relationship between job stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins (hsCRP) with a view to using them as a predictor of future cardiovascular events. METHODS: The study subjects were 155 male bank workers. A structured, self-assesment questionnaire was used to analyze the sociodemographic characteristics and job stress of the participants. Seven levels of job stress, as described in the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF), were used to categorized the participants. We included tests for blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, blood lipid level (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides), and hsCRP in our analysis. Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to determine an association between job stress and cardiovascular risk factors including hsCRP. RESULTS: In the multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for general and job characteristics and cardiovascular risk factors, interpersonal conflict (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI=1.11~2.57), job insecurity (adjusted OR 1.94, 95% CI=1.24~3.03) and, occupational climate (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI=1.19~3.01) were associated with hsCRP. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that job stress is associated with hsCRP which is a predictor of future cardiovascular events.