Work stressors among physicians with and without the acquired cardiovascular disorders: Assessment using the Occupational Stress Index

Abstract

The Occupational Stress Index (OSI) questionnaire for physicians was used in a case-control study, with a high participation rate (>90%). The study was carried out among physicians employed at clinical institutions in Novi Sad, receiving their medical care at the health center situated within the Novi Sad clinical center. The cases were physicians with one or more of the acquired (potentially stress-related) cardiovascular disorders (ACVD) (myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, arterial hypertension and certain arrhythmias). The control group included physicians without manifest ACVD. Two OSI dimensions: high demands (p<0.05) and threat avoidance (p<0.05) were dominant in showing significantly higher exposure levels among the cases. The most consistent and significant stressors that distinguished the physicians with ACVD from the referents were long work hours, speed-up and threat of job loss. Personality patterns were not associated with case status. Physicians are a heavily burdened occupational group, and several occupational stressors are significantly associated with case status. Improvements in working conditions as well as early diagnosis are essential for preventing further increases in these disorders among physicians. The next step would be multidisciplinary intervention studies aimed at the work environment, with the goal of identifying scientifically-based strategies that are most effective in preventing ACVD among physicians.