[Evaluation of stress indicators in 2 groups of video display terminal operators]

The results of a study on 68 VDT operators are hereby presented. Various biochemical indexes are evaluated as markers of stress. In particular, urinary catecholamines and their metabolites (E, NE, DA, HVA, VMA), ACTH, cortisol, NEFA and fructosamine have been tested by the Authors. Each assay has been performed both in basal conditions, and after the completion of subjects workshift, taking into account the normal hormonal biorhythms. The data which emerged have been analyzed by statistical method ("Student t" with coupled data). Each subject data was confronted before and after workshift. The number of hours of VDT exposure and the different types of duties have been considered and evaluated. The results show that, although the data are all included within the normal range, some of the tested parameters after workshift are significantly higher, compared with the same parameters referring to the basal condition. In particular, Epinephrine and Norepinephrine seem to be the most effective markers of stress. Analogous studies will be pursued in the future by the Authors on a larger number of VDT operators.