Stress among doctors: A cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital, North India

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To study the prevalence of stress among doctors. 2. To find the association of stress and its risk factors. Materials and Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in the tertiary hospital of Punjab. Pre-validated questionnaire was used to assess the demographic variables and stress factors. Perceived Stress Scale-10 was used to assess the stress levels among the doctors. Results: Of the 203 participants, females (54.7%) outnumbered the males. Mean scores for the stress scale was 18.40±5.4. Majority of the participants (79.8%) were having moderate stress levels. Statistically significant higher stress levels were found in female doctors (P-value = 0.009) and in the age category of 31-40 years (P-value= 0.04). Emergency duties, intra-departmental working environment, being away from family, not able to have proper personal and family time, lack of sleep were the main risk factors to cause increased stress among doctors. Listening to the music was found to be the main stress buster. Conclusion: Proper rest and involvement into stress relieving activities like meditation and yoga, conducive working environment are the need of the hour for the burnt-out healthcare providers.