Korean J Health Promot.  2024 Mar;24(1):37-46. 10.15384/kjhp.2024.00031.

Factors Affecting Perceived Stress-Cortisol Responses in Young Adults

• SEO S
• KIM CJ
• KANG HS
• SCHLENK EA

• KMID: 2554029
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15384/kjhp.2024.00031

Abstract

Background
This study examined the distribution of stress-cortisol responses and risk factors affecting perceived stress and cortisol responses among 187 university students in South Korea.
Methods
Perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and health-promoting lifestyle were assessed using structured questionnaires. Blood analyses and anthropometrics were used to determine cortisol and cardiometabolic risks. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors affecting stress-cortisol responses.
Results
Four groups of stress-cortisol responses were found, including normal (39.0%), high stress (34.8%), high stress-cortisol (13.9%), and high cortisol group (12.3%). Age, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, depressive symptoms, and physical activity were associated with stress-cortisol responses.
Conclusions
Multidimensional interventions are needed to reduce stress levels and promote normal stress-cortisol responses.

Keyword

Cardiometabolic risks; Cortisol; Depressive symptoms; Life style; Stress