OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship of occupational stressors with the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

METHODSUsing convenience sampling and cluster sampling methods, 225 policemen from a local police station in China were enrolled as subjects. Questionnaires were used to investigate demographic features and occupational stressors in those subjects. The serum levels of T3, T4, and TSH were measured by radioimmunoassay. The SPSS 13.0 software was used to perform t test or analysis of variance, partial correlation analysis, and multivariate non-conditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSReward was positively correlated with the level of T3(P<0.05). Daily tension was positively correlated with the level of T4(P<0.05). Psychological demand, effort, and daily tension were negatively correlated with the level of TSH (all P<0.05). The quality of sleep was positively correlated with the level of TSH (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of increase in T3 level in the group with a high score for daily tension was 3.19-fold higher than that in the group with a low score, while the risk of increase in T3 level in the group with a high score for negative emotion was 1.32-fold higher than that in the group with a low score. The risk of increase in TSH level in the group with a high score for negative emotion was 0.43-fold that in the group with a low score.

CONCLUSIONThe occupational stressors are correlated with the serum levels of thyroid hormones. Occupational stress can result in an increase in T3 level and a decrease in TSH level. However, occupational stress has no effect on T4 level.