Occupational stress among obstetrician/gynecologists

South Med J. 2003 Dec;96(12):1187-9. doi: 10.1097/01.SMJ.0000085744.77941.EC.

Abstract

Objective: Our objective was to assess occupational stress in obstetrician/gynecologists using a standardized, validated tool.

Methods: The Osipow Occupational Stress Inventory, which measures occupational stress (occupational roles questionnaire [ORQ]), psychological strain (personal strain questionnaire), and coping resources (personal resources questionnaire), was distributed to 277 obstetrician/gynecologists in Houston. The chi2 or Fisher's exact test was used where appropriate.

Results: Sixty-nine surveys were analyzed. Median T scores for all subscales were within the normal range. Abnormal scores were recorded by 22 physicians (31%) on at least one subscale of the ORQ, by 5 physicians (7%) on at least one subscale of the personal strain questionnaire, and by 6 physicians (9%) on at least one subscale of the personal resources questionnaire (P < 0.05). Abnormal scores occurred more frequently in the ORQ domain. Generalists had significantly more abnormal scores than did subspecialists (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Occupational stress is common among obstetrician/gynecologists. This appears to be balanced by good coping skills.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Female
  • Gynecology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Obstetrics*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Occupational Diseases / psychology
  • Physician's Role
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Texas
  • Urban Population