Changes in alcohol-related perceptions and behaviour among Vietnamese early career doctors after graduation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vietnamese medical students believe becoming “strong” drinkers is important for their future career working as doctor. However, it is unclear if this is a temporary behaviour associated with life as a student, or a phenomenon associated with the transition to working as a medical practitioner. OBJECTIVE: This study explored changes in alcohol-related perceptions and behaviour among Vietnamese early career doctors working after graduation. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 Vietnamese early career doctors in Hanoi city. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. RESULTS: Vietnamese early career doctors perceived binge drinking as common among doctors, especially male doctors, surgeons, and preventive medicine doctors. This perception was different from when they were medical students because, at that time, they believed doctors would not drink alcohol at hazardous levels. Additionally, Vietnamese early career doctors’ drinking behaviour changed in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption after graduation due to peer pressure, job stress, working collaborations, and working environment. CONCLUSIONS: Vietnamese early career doctors changed their alcohol-related perceptions and behaviour after graduation. Gender, mental health (stress), factors related to the working environment, and the role of professional relationships should be considered in strategies to reduce risky alcohol consumption among Vietnamese early career doctors.