DETERMINANTS OF JOB STRESS AMONG DOCTORS IN THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN

Abstract

Doctors respond differently to their complex work environment, some find it stimulating while others find it stressful. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of stress in a teaching hospital in south west Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional survey of all doctors employed at the University College Hospital, Ibadan was carried out. Information was collected with the aid of a structured pretested questionnaire from 321 doctors. Descriptive statistics were generated. Chi squared and logistic regression analyses were also conducted. Statistical significance was set at 5%. The mean age of respondents was 31.5±5.3 years, 61 % were males. 59% had 1- 5 years of service, and 46.7% were married. About half ( 173, 53.9%) were resident doctors. The prevalence of stress was 30.2%; the highest prevalence being in the surgical departments (36.2%) and the lowest in the laboratory medicine department (16.7%). Age, sex, years of service, religion and marital status were not significantly associated with job stress (p>0.05). The 5 broad dimensions of personality viz Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness to experience were all significantly associated with job stress (p<0..05). The logistic regression analyses showed that introverted personality (OR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.62-6.11, p= 0.00 I), less agreeable personality (OR=3. I 5, 95% CI: 1.35-7.33, p= 0.008) and personality less open to new experience (OR= 3.11, 95% CI: 1.66- 5.82, p= <0.001) were significant predictors of job stress. Doctors who were stressed were more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs (OR=6.03; 95% CI: 2.70-13.48; p<0.001) and had a higher proportion with poor mental health (p<0.001) than those who were not stressed. The prevalence of stress in this study is high and personality types and job dissatisfaction have been implicated as the determinants of stress. As such behavioural interventions may be required for the doctors so that the carers are cared for and there should be an improvement in doctors' welfare, health care facilities and delivery.