Seasonal variation in cortisol biomarkers in Hispanic mothers living in an agricultural region.

ABSTRACT: Characterization of stress exposure requires understanding seasonal variability in stress biomarkers.To compare acute and chronic stress biomarkers between two seasons in a cohort of rural, Hispanic mothers.Stress questionnaires and cortisol measurements (hair, blood and saliva) were collected in the summer and fall.Cortisol biomarkers were significantly different and stress questionnaires were significantly correlated between seasons.The variability in cortisol and relative stability of questionnaires between seasons may indicate that cortisol responds to subtle stressors not addressed in questionnaires.There are significant differences in stress biomarkers in our cohort between seasons.

SUBMITTER: Smith MN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4850059 | biostudies-other | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other