The indirect effect of the psychosocial work environment on the association between precarious employment and the production of steroid hormones: A cross-sectional analysis

ObjectivesThe main objectives of this article are (i) to explore the potential relationship between precarious employment and the production of steroid hormones (both adrenal and gonadal) and (ii) to evaluate the psychosocial risk factors at work (i.e. demands, control, and support) and work-life conflicts in this relationship. MethodsCross-sectional data were derived from a sample of workers from Barcelona (n=255 --125 men, 130 women). A set of 23 markers were determined from hair samples to evaluate the chronic production of both adrenal and gonadal steroids. Linear regression models were used to estimate the association between precarious employment and the production of adrenal and gonadal steroids, and decomposition analyses were applied to estimate the indirect effect of psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflict on this relationship. ResultsGender differences in the association with PE-steroid production were found. Among men, gonadal axis steroids were associated with precarious employment (specifically, androstenedione and testosterone), while among women, adrenal axis steroids, primarily cortisol and markers derived from its metabolism, were associated with precarious employment. Psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflicts had significant positive indirect effects only among women. ConclusionsGender differences were found in respect of the indirect effects of psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflicts on the association between precarious employment and the production of adrenal and gonadal steroids, which suggests that, beyond the biochemical differences, the physiological effect of PE could be mediated by the social construction of gender identities, positions and roles in society and family. KEY MESSAGES What is already known about this subject?Previous studies suggest that precarious employment is associated with workers health; however, most studies are based on self-rated health indicators and do not explore the causal mechanisms behind this association. What are the new findings?Precarious employment was associated with the production of some adrenal and gonadal steroids, and the psychosocial work environment had an indirect effect on this association, although with significant gender differences. How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?An occupational health policy aimed at improving the quality of employment and, at the same time, the psychosocial work environment can reduce the production of hormones that are associated with stress.