[Stress and health in workplace: towards such scenarios. From Occupational medicine to medicine in workplace].
A short review of main results obtained in occupational stress research is presented. Stress activates the sympato-adrenal system with possible dangerous consequences on the cardiovascular apparatus. In field studies the relation between stress and coronary diseases is controversial. However, from a clinical and experimental perspective the relation between breakdown in adaptation and cardiovascular disorder is a fact. More consistent results on the psychosocial determinants of an increased cardiovascular risk are obtained when stress is studied in relation to the socio-economic condition of groups and individuals. To better embrace and describe such factors, a new theoretical contribution has been introduced: social capital. This is a more sophisticated version of social cohesion, social integration and social support. For the future, an interdisciplinary approach is recommended in health surveillance of life and work environment.
Cesana
G
G
Centro Studi Sanità Pubblica, Università di Milano Bicocca, Villa Serena (Osp. San Gerardo), Monza, Italy. giancarlo.cesana@unimib.it
Ferrario
M M
MM
D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009787:Occupational Medicine; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012306:Risk; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D014937:Work; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace