title: [Work-related Stress and the Allostatic Load Index - A Systematic Review].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Work-related stress is a growing social challenge and has been associated with reduced employee health, well-being, and productivity. One tool to measure the stress-related wear and tear of the body is the Allostatic Load Index (ALI). This review summarizes recent evidence on the association between work-related stress and ALI in working adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic literature search following the PRISMA-Statement was conducted in 21 databases including Medline, PubPsych, MedPilot, and Cochrane Register. Publications addressing work related-stress and medical parameters using ALI were considered. Data on study population, analytic techniques, and results were tabulated. Methodological quality was evaluated using a standardized checklist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  9 articles were identified with a total of 3 532 employees from 5 countries reporting cross-sectional data from the years 2003-2013. Overall, 7 studies reported a positive and significant association between work-related stress and ALI, while 2 studies showed no or an insignificant association. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in methods applied and study quality.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This systematic review provides evidence that work-related stress is associated with ALI in cross-sectional studies. This association needs to be demonstrated by future studies using longitudinal data on working populations.
authors.affiliation: Mannheimer Institut für Public Health, Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim.|Betriebsärztlicher Dienst der Allianz SE, München.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mauss
authors.affiliation: Institut für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin, Zentrum für Gesundheit und Gesellschaft, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Mannheimer Institut für Public Health, Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.affiliation: Institut für Arbeits- und Sozialmedizin, Zentrum für Gesundheit und Gesellschaft, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Angerer
authors.affiliation: Mannheimer Institut für Public Health, Sozial- und Präventivmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim.
authors.forename: M N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Jarczok
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D052636:Allostasis / Q000502:physiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D016272:Occupational Health; D000073397:Occupational Stress; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology