Prevalence of stress among postgraduate junior residents in Bangalore, Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Post graduate residents in tertiary care teaching hospitals in metropolitan cities bear the overwhelming burden due to heavy workload, they are at high risk of developing burnout syndrome, which in turn may affect hospital outcomes such as the quality and safety of the provided care.' This study was conducted to assess their perceived stress, stress induced somatic symptoms and coping strategies by postgraduates in Bangalore, India.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all postgraduates willing to participate in the study, pursuing their post-graduation in various specialties in Six medical colleges in Bangalore, India. Stress was assessed by Perceived stress scale (PSS-10), Stress induced physical symptoms using selected items from self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20), coping strategies using selected items from BRIEF COPE. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis has been carried out in the present study.Results: The mean PSS score in present study was found to be 22.92 (moderate stress). Stress was associated with clinical specialty, higher workload, poor sleep quality due to more working hours, marital status, harmful ideations. In present study Post graduates of OBG, pediatrics, radiology demonstrated higher perceived stress score with a mean PSS Score of 25.57, 24.25, 24.22 respectively. Dermatology postgraduates reported lowest stress levels with a mean PSS score of 16.86.Conclusions: In present study post graduates are facing moderate stress, affecting their physical and mental health resulting in dysfunctional coping strategies and harmful ideations like quitting, which has an impact on quality and safety of provided care.