The relationship between self-report and biomarkers of stress in low-income reproductive-age women

Ann E B Borders, William A. Grobman, Laura B. Amsden, Thomas W. McDade, Lisa K. Sharp, Jane L. Holl

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is an association between self-reported and biologic measures of stress in low-income, reproductive-age women. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1999 and 2005, randomly selected reproductive-age women from the 1998 welfare rolls in Chicago, IL, were interviewed yearly to assess psychosocial, socioeconomic, and health characteristics. The association of 2 stress-sensitive biomarkers (Epstein-Barr virus antibody titer (EBV) and C-reactive protein level) with self-reported stress was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 206 women who were interviewed, 205 women (99%) agreed to provide a blood sample. There was no difference in mean EBV or C-reactive protein levels based on age, race, parity, employment, marital status, or education. Women who reported a higher degree of perceived stress or reported experiences of discrimination had significantly higher levels of EBV (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Measures of self-reported psychosocial stress are associated with elevated levels EBV antibody in a low-income population of reproductive-age women.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)577.e1-577.e8
JournalAmerican journal of obstetrics and gynecology
Volume203
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

Funding

Keywords

  • Biomarker
  • C-reactive protein
  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Stress

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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