Somatic and mental morbidity of young female physicians. Does emotional exhaustion constitute the missing link?

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence of morbidity among female physicians in Hungary is well documented, however, little is known about the prevalence of that in certain age groups. Aims: To assess the prevalence of somatic and psychiatric morbidity in two age cohorts (Cohort 1: age 24–43 and Cohort 2: age 44–76) of female physicians and to explore the relationship between morbidity and potential risk factors including work-related stressors. Methods: Representative, cross-sectional, quantitative survey among representative samples of female physicians (N = 408). Results: Physicians in Cohort 1 reported more frequent night shift rotation, less leisure time, and fewer days off compared to physicians in Cohort 2. Physicians in Cohort 1 were less satisfied with their work, workplace, reported less support from their colleagues, and received lower salary compared to physicians in Cohort 2. Physicians in Cohort 1 scored significantly higher on the emotional exhaustion and the personal accomplishment scales MBI as compared to Cohort 2 physicians. In Cohort 1 emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment were associated with high depression scores and frequent suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The role of emotional exhaustion is decisive of young physicians’ well-being. Future research should focus on understanding the psycho-social, individual, organizational, and societal correlates of the high prevalence of morbidity among young female physicians in Hungary. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 20–27.