Stress levels in medical residents of a teaching university in the province of Sindh, Pakistan: its effects on the quality of life of residents

ABSTRACT

Stress and stress-related illnesses are common in medical residents. If remain unattended, these illnesses might have serious repercussions affecting the quality of patient health care and physician's well-being. In this study, we evaluated the stress levels of medical residents in a teaching university [Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, LUMHS] and compared them with those observed in postgraduate students pursuing M. Phil or Ph. D. degrees in basic sciences [University of Sindh]. We used Perceived stress Scale of Cohen et al and wellbeing Scale of Kaplan et al for the measurement of stress. A total of 100 questionnaires [50 per group] were given out. The recovery rate was 73%. Our data on Perceived Stress Scale indicated that there was statistically significant differences between the two groups [p=0.006], indicating that the medical residents were facing higher levels of stress as compared to postgraduates in basic sciences. However, we failed to detect male to female differences in either group. Similarly, there were significant differences on well-being Scale between the two groups [p=0.002]. Our results confirmed the previous findings that medical residents experience higher levels of stress. However, we did not observe any significant differences between and female residents. When under stress, the respondents tend to neglect the normal activities of life, became reclusive and had self-doubts. The later may have some serious consequences on patient health care