BACKGROUND: The conditions of work and health of physicians in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, Brasil were described. METHODS: A cross sectional study investigated a random sample of 350 physicians. Information about the physical and mental health, living habits and working conditions of these physicians was collected by self-reported, individual questionnaires forwarded by mail. RESULTS: The physicians reported excessive work loads, more than one job, low income, and precarious contracting with payment for each procedure performed. A private practice was also reported by 45.2% of the physicians however only 1.5% exercised it exclusively. The most frequent health complaints were related to body posture and mental health. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of minor psychological disorders was of 26.0%. The observed conditions of work and health point to a need for major changes in the organization of medical work.
BACKGROUND: The conditions of work and health of physicians in the city of Salvador, State of Bahia, Brasil were described. METHODS: A cross sectional study investigated a random sample of 350 physicians. Information about the physical and mental health, living habits and working conditions of these physicians was collected by self-reported, individual questionnaires forwarded by mail. RESULTS: The physicians reported excessive work loads, more than one job, low income, and precarious contracting with payment for each procedure performed. A private practice was also reported by 45.2% of the physicians however only 1.5% exercised it exclusively. The most frequent health complaints were related to body posture and mental health. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of minor psychological disorders was of 26.0%. The observed conditions of work and health point to a need for major changes in the organization of medical work.