Stress among Croatian physicians: comparison between physicians working in emergency medical service and health centers: pilot study

摘要

Aim To determine the sources of stress, its intensity, frequency,and psychophysical and behavioral reactions inphysicians working in emergency medical service andthose working in health centers.Methods To a convenience sample of primary care physiciansemployed in emergency medical service (n = 79) andhealth centers (n = 81), we administered the list of demographicquestions, Scale of Sources of Stress, Scale of Intentionsof Leaving the Job, and Scale of PsychosomaticSymptoms.Results Emergency medicine physicians experienced significantlymore intense and more frequent uncontrollableworking situations, conflict between work and family roles,and unfavorable relationships with coworkers than physiciansworking in health centers. They were also more likelyto leave the job during the next few years and/or changejobs within the profession (scores 2.2 ± 0.9 vs 1.7 ± 0.9 outof maximum 5.0, F = 12.2, P = 0.001) and they had a poorerphysical health status (scores 1.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.5 out ofmaximum 4.0, F = 5.3, P = 0.023).Conclusion Physicians working in emergency medicalservice experience more stress in almost all aspects of theirwork than physicians working in health centers. They alsohave a stronger intention of leaving the job, which decreaseswith years of experience