OBJECTIVETo explore the possibility for 17-OHCS, 17-KS, VMA and HVA in urine as indicators of occupational stress identification and evaluation.

METHODS225 policies were investigated by using convenience sampling and cluster sampling methods, occupational stressors, strains, buffer factors and individual factors were measured by questionnaires. The urine 17-OHCS, 17-KS, VMA and HVA level was tested by ELISA and high performance liquid chromatography method respectively.

RESULTSThe urine 17-OHCS level of the groups with high coworker support and job control scores was lower than that of the groups with low score group (P < 0.05), the urine 17-OHCS level of the group with high negative affectivity score was higher than that of the group with low score group (P < 0.05). The urine 17-KS level of the group with high job security score was lower than that of the counterparts (P < 0.05). The urine VMA level of the group with high coworker support score was lower than that of the counterparts (P < 0.05). The urine HVA level of the group with high coping strategy score was lower than that of counterpart (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the job control and respect were the protective factors of urine 17-OHCS level increase (OR = 0.353 and 0.352 respectively), but over-commitment, self-esteem and daily hassles were the risk factors of urine 17-OHCS with level increase (OR = 3.391, 2.439, and 2.584 respectively). The risk of urine 17-KS level increase for the groups high job control and job security scores were respectively 0.387, 0.356 times than that of the counterparts, the risk of urine VMA level increase for the group with high negative affectivity score was 2.643 times than that of the counterparts.

CONCLUSIONThe urine 17-OHCS, 17-KS and VMA level were potential indicators for occupational stress evaluation.