Dynamics of Stress Biomarker Levels and Their Relationship with Psychological Characteristics of Healthcare Workers during the implementation of a Program for Reducing Occupational Burnout

Objective — The aim of this study was to examine the dynamics of stress biomarkers and their association with psychological characteristics in healthcare workers during a pilot implementation of a program for reducing occupational burnout. Material and Methods — Physicians and nurses (n=20) from various clinics in Irkutsk, Russia, participated in the pilot program. Stress biomarkers included serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and salivary cortisol. Psychological indicators were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Results — At follow-up, increased salivary cortisol levels were observed only in participants with low baseline burnout, while no significant changes in biomarkers were found in participants with high baseline burnout. In contrast, participants with high baseline burnout levels showed improvements in psychological measures, including reduced burnout symptoms and increased mindfulness. Conclusion — The results indicate heterogeneous psychological and physiological changes depending on baseline burnout levels. Psychological improvements were observed predominantly in participants with high burnout levels, while changes in salivary cortisol levels were observed solely in participants with low burnout levels. Given the pilot nature of the study, the results should be interpreted as preliminary.