The Use of Biomarkers in Research with Nursing Personnel: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze studies with nursing personnel, with the use of biomarkers as an investigation method for the detection of health alterations. Method: This is a Narrative Literature Review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. The PICO strategy was used in this review’s development. For the search in databases and virtual libraries, the descriptor “Biomarkers” and the keywords “Nursing Personnel” and “Health Changes” were used in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search was carried out in scientific databases and articles related to the theme, published from 2002 to May 2022. Results: From 19 articles analyzed, it was found that the use of biological markers allowed the detection of problems such as higher values in capillary cortisol levels in a group of nurses with burnout when compared to those without burnout; cortisol levels on waking hours associated negatively with the number of years working and positively with damage to their DNA; occupational exposure to anesthetic gases that influence hepatic and renal hemochemical parameters in those exposed; irondeficiency anemia and different thyroid gland diseases prevalent among nurses when compared to those of controls matched by sex and age, chromosomal aberrations, and so forth. Conclusion: In general, if biomarkers assist in the identification of alterations in the health of nursing personnel and enable a significant contribution to occupational health and safety, a more holistic approach will be needed to transfer them from the laboratory to professional practice, especially to be used as a tool in the management of occupational health.