Affiliations: [a] Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| [b] Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Prof Margaretha Viljoen, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. E-mail: mviljoen@webafrica.org.za.
Abstract: BACKGROUND:Psychosocial and physical stressors can elicit the stress response, co-ordinated by interactions between neuroendocrine and inflammatory processes. The central role of the immune system, specifically low-grade systemic inflammation, is sometimes overlooked in work-related stress research. OBJECTIVE:To review evidence that work-related psychosocial and physical stressors can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation which, through interactions with the neurohormonal systems, may impact on the well-being and productivity of workers. METHODS:Literature searches were performed by databases and by hand. Databases used included Interface - EBSCOhost Research Databases; PsycINFO; Academic Search Complete; Africa-Wide Information; CINAHL; E-Journals; MEDLINE and PsycARTICLES. RESULTS:Psychosocial stressors, infections, poor indoor air quality, musculoskeletal injuries and chemicals can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation that may adversely affect workers’ mental and physical health, as well as productivity. The psychological and physical effects caused by infection-induced inflammation are generally referred to as sickness behaviour and those caused by poor indoor air quality as sick building syndrome. CONCLUSIONS:Stressor-induced low-grade systemic inflammation can be a causal factor in the physical and behavioural symptoms of work-related stress. It is therefore important that those involved with the health of workers be cognisant of inappropriate or chronic low-grade inflammation as a potential health hazard.
Keywords: Inflammatory, psychosocial stress, sickness behaviour, sick building syndrome, musculoskeletal injury, multiple chemical sensitivity
