Depression in Family Medicine Faculty

摘要

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depression among family medicine faculty may contribute to decreasedeffectiveness in patient care, decreased effectiveness in teaching, and career changes. The present studydetermined the nationwide prevalence of depression and related risk factors among family medicine residencyprogram faculty. METHODS: All full-time US family medicine faculty, program directors, and behavioralscientists listed as members of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine in October 2000 weresurveyed. The survey included demographics, clinical practice characteristics, the Beck Depression InventoryII, the Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), and a scale to measure stress within the residencyprogram.RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 1,418 faculty members. Seven percent of surveyrespondents scored mildly depressed, and 5% scored moderately to severely depressed. Seven percent ofrespondents scored highly stressed on the SRRS. Significant predictors of depression scores includedbeing single, being a member of an underrepresented minority group, having increased stress scores, andhaving a greater amount of time devoted to teaching. CONCLUSIONS: Program directors and departmentchairs need to be aware of the prevalence of depression among faculty, since it may affect their performanceof patient care and teaching responsibilities.