Estimation of Perceived Stress among Doctors in a Peripheral Tertiary Government Medical College of West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Doctors working in a tertiary care teaching hospital suffers higher symptoms of psychological distress. The impact of excessive stress may affect the individual employee and the organisation in terms of productivity and performance. Aim: To estimate the perceived stress among doctors and to find out the sources of their stress in a peripheral Government Medical College of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study, cross-sectional in design, conducted to assess the perceived stress and specific stressors among 95 doctors who were posted in a peripheral Government Medical College from June to November 2019. A Perceived Stress Scale (PSS 10) questionnaire was used to assess the perceived stress. Psycho-social and Environmental stressors were assessed using 11 items questionnaire. Data were analysed using the IBM statistical package for social sciences, (SPSS) software program (version 20.0) (Chicago, USA). Results: The majority of the participant (80%) had moderate level of stress, while 10.5% had low stress and 9.5% had severe stress. The mean PSS score in this study was 20.49±5.61. In univariate logistic regression analysis, significant association was found with loneliness {Odds Ratios (OR) 9.3; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)= 2.9-29.9}, family problem (OR 2.7; 95% CI=1.1-6.6) and quality of food (OR 2.9: 95% CI=1.2-7.0). Finally, loneliness (AOR 9.6; 95% CI=2.7-34.1) and family problem (AOR 3.7; 95% CI=1.3-10.1) came out to be statistically significant predictors of stress in multivariable logistic regression. Conclusion: Majority of doctors had moderate level of stress and they felt upset, nervous and stressed in last one month of preceding the survey. Professional counseling for the doctors to improve their coping and resilience behaviours is highly recommended.