Abstract
INTRODUCTION: It is well acknowledged that health workers experience higher level of stress and stress related health problems than other occupational groups. Thus, measuring physician stress and understanding its related factors is a topic of importance with public health implications.
OBJECTIVES: To measure the level of stress and to identify the socio-demographic and practice factors associated with stress among physicians in Aseer region.
STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional study.
STUDY SETTING: Physicians in government health service, Aseer region, Saudi Arabia
METHODOLOGY: A self administered questionnaire based on Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used in the study. Study included 375 participants across three levels (resident, specialist, consultant) and six broad specialties (Surgical, Medical, Obstetrics /Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Dermatology, Emergency & ICU); selected following a two stage sampling procedure.
RESULTS: A total of 303 physicians returned completely filled questionnaires. A high mean stress score was reported (18.07+/-5.1). Though highest mean stress scores were found for dermatologists (21.00), no significant differences in stress was found based upon nationality, smoking status, presence of any chronic illness and specialty. Significantly more stress was found in females (df =301, t=3.68, p<0.001); and singles as compared to married physicians (df=301, t=4.52, p<0.001). ANOVA across multiple groups revealed significant difference in stress scores between younger age groups with F (2,300) =9.402; p=<0.001,eta(2)=0.05; mean=(19.10+/-4.91) and other age groups, and also between residents, F(2,300)=9.76; p<0.001; eta(2)=0.06, mean=19.34+/-4.81 as compared to specialists (17.04+/-5.30) and consultants (16.56+/-5.11).
CONCLUSION: Physicians in Aseer region experience high level of stress. Gender, age, marital status and position are significantly related to stress.