Hair Cortisol/DHEA-S Ratios in Healthcare Workers and Their Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study.

Background: Unlike psychological distress, which has been extensively studied during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of the pandemic on stress hormones has been overlooked. The aim of this study is to examine the hair cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) ratios as markers of HPA axis dysregulation in healthcare workers and their patients.

Methods: A total of 200 healthcare workers and 161 "patients" patients with special healthcare needs due to chronic illness or motor disabilities were included in this study.