Year: 2024
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Introduction Young doctors, aiming to excel in knowledge, clinical skills, and research, grapple with mounting pressures affecting their mental and physical health. This study examines the link between perceived stress and musculoskeletal problems (MSP) among them. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study (January to April 2023) engaging interns and residents from Sfax. The Perceived Stress Scale-10 and Nordic questionnaire gauged perceived stress and MSP. Physical intensity and specialty satisfaction were rated on a scale of 1 to 10. Results Six-hundred and seventeen participants, with a sex ratio of 0.42, took part. Residents constituted 65.5%, including 18.8% surgeons. Mean age was 26.96±2.83, BMI was 23.4±3.84. Psychiatric history was reported by 5.8%. Over the past year, 31.8% experienced MSP, mainly back issues (24.1%). In the previous week, 13.4% reported MSP. Mean Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) score was 14.94±5.01, with 65.2% having moderate to high perceived stress. PSS-10 score correlated with female sex (p=0.004), psychiatric history (p<0.001), physical intensity (p<0.001), and inversely correlated with specialty satisfaction. PSS-10 score correlated also to experiencing MSP in the last year and week (p=0.01 and p=0.02 respectively). Discussion The study highlights perceived stress’s substantial impact on musculoskeletal problems (MSP) among young doctors. Gender, psychiatric history, physical intensity, and specialty satisfaction influence perceived stress. The prevalence of MSP, particularly back issues, underscores the significance of addressing both physical and mental well-being in medical training. Conclusion Implementing support measures, stress management, and strategies to achieve work-life balance are pivotal in alleviating stress’s adverse effects on the health and performance of young doctors.
Source: Occupational Medicine
Authors: Mohamed Anis Ghrab, Imen Sellami, Hanene Daoud, Kaouthar Jmal Hammami, Mounira Hajjaji, Mohamed Larbi Masmoudi
Institutions: Hopital Universitaire Hedi Chaker, University of Sfax
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4400353201