Brook MJ, et al. - This article was written with the objective to ascertain the relationship between perceived stress and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers, along with the effect of perceived social support, Appalachian self-identify, and health behaviors. Young Appalachian women reported high levels of perceived stress that were majorly connected with higher EBV titers. Higher perceived social support was related to lower EBV titers. Health behaviors and Appalachian self-identity did not affect the connection between perceived stress and EBV titers.

Methods

• In this study, they examine the serum EBV VCA-IgG antibody titer levels from 169 female Appalachian residents (aged 18-26 years).
• Through self-administered questionnaires they assess perceived stress, perceived social support, Appalachian self-identity, and health behaviors.

Results

• Total 185 women were enrolled in this study.
• Out of these 185 women, 169 women were positive for EBV.
• Among these women, the median EBV antibody titer level was 404 U/mL (range 101-6,464), and the overall geometric mean was 563.2 (95% CI 486.6-651.9).
• For a 1-point increase in perceived stress, the EBV antibody titer increased by 1.92% (95% CI 0.04-3.76%).
• For every point increase in perceived social support, the EBV antibody titer reduced by 1.00% (95% CI 0.06-1.98%).
• Perceived stress was majorly related to sleep quality, BMI, and current smoking status, but not with binge-drinking, drug use, or Appalachian self-identity.
• No mediating impacts of sleep quality, BMI, binge-drinking, current drug utilization, or >4 sexual partners were seen in the connection between perceived stress and EBV titer level.