Publication:

Gender differences in work stressors and psychiatric morbidity at workplace in doctors and nurses

Background Work environment is one of the key factors responsible for stress in human life. Different aspects of working conditions affect person’s work. Work stress in turn leads to psychiatric problems. Doctors and nurses are prone to be affected by work stressors as their work includes more human interactions.

Methods It is a cross sectional observational study conducted at a Medical College affiliated General Hospital. Total 400 subjects were surveyed for this study including 200 doctors and 200 nurses with equal gender distribution. Subjects were interviewed in groups and asked to fill up self-rated questionnaires during the interview. The demographic details were collected through a specially designed semi-structured proforma with workplace stressors checklist, presence of past or present psychiatric illness and presence of enduring stress other than workplace stress. Psychiatric morbidity was assessed by DASS and GHQ-28.

Results In males lack of staff or resources and in females disputes with staff or seniors are important stressors at workplace while long working hours and work responsibilities on holiday were considered as the least stressful. 9.45%, 20.2% and 29.2% having self-rated depression, stress and anxiety respectively in DASS. No significant difference found in gender as well as class as regards of psychiatric morbidity. Past or present psychiatric illness and stress other than work place are significantly associated with GHQ 28 Case-ness. 3.5% females were having suicidal ideas (GHQ item D7) as compared to 0.5% males.

Conclusions Measures for improving working conditions and environment, adequate resources, clarifying roles, constructive resolution of conflicts and stress management training are required to increase work productivity.