Analysis of emergency residents health status and affected factors by 2019 Korean Emergency Medicine Resident Survey (KEMRS)

ABSTRACT

Objective@#Emergency medicine residents are expected to exhibit a poor health status due to excessive working hours and high stress. Because much of patient care depends on them, their health conditions will have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Our study was designed to analyze the health status of emergency medicine residents and the affecting factors using the 2019 Korean Emergency Medicine Residents Survey (KEMRS) results. @*Methods@#The study evaluated the self-rated health-defined percentage of responders who thought they were in good health. Based on this response, the influencing factors were categorized statistically. These factors included personal characteristics, lifestyle (drinking, smoking, eating, sleeping, and exercise), and emotional stress. @*Results@#Of a total of 384 respondents, 176 (46%) thought they were in good health. Participants who perceived themselves to be unhealthy included residents who were married, female, and those in the 3rd grade. Drinking and smoking were not perceived to affect health status, but regular exercise and proper eating patterns were seen to be positive influencing factors. Daytime sleepiness, depressive moods, and personal well-being were correlated with health status. @*Conclusion@#While personal characteristics and emotional problems cannot be changed easily, lifestyle changes can be made for better health. The health conditions of emergency residents have not been considered a matter of importance thus far. To overcome their health problems, responsible improvements in schedules and a program of long-term follow-ups need to be implemented, followed by training programs.