Original Article

Occupational Stress among Obstetrician/Gynecologists

Authors: Pamela A. Promecene, MD, Manju Monga, MD

Abstract

ObjectiveOur objective was to assess occupational stress in obstetrician/gynecologists using a standardized, validated tool.MethodsThe Osipow Occupational Stress Inventory, which measures occupational stress (occupational roles questionnaire [ORQ]), psychological strain (personal strain questionnaire), and coping resources (personal resources questionnaire), was distributed to 277 obstetrician/gynecologists in Houston. The  X2 or Fisher’s exact test was used where appropriate.ResultsSixty-nine surveys were analyzed. Median T scores for all subscales were within the normal range. Abnormal scores were recorded by 22 physicians (31%) on at least one subscale of the ORQ, by 5 physicians (7%) on at least one subscale of the personal strain questionnaire, and by 6 physicians (9%) on at least one subscale of the personal resources questionnaire (P < 0.05). Abnormal scores occurred more frequently in the ORQ domain. Generalists had significantly more abnormal scores than did subspecialists (P < 0.05).ConclusionOccupational stress is common among obstetrician/gynecologists. This appears to be balanced by good coping skills.

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