[Distress Among Surgeons - a Study in German Hospitals].

Background Stress with negative influence on health (distress) is highly prevalent among surgeons. Especially the physicians' own perception of working conditions plays an important role in an evaluation of the stress potential of working conditions. Thus, this study is intended to examine and evaluate the working conditions of surgeons in German hospitals. Material and Methods This web-based study is methodically based on the theoretical stress models of Siegrist (Effort-Reward-Imbalance Model) and Karasek (Job-Demand-Control Model). The questionnaire designed for this survey consists of items from two validated questionnaires. Thus it is possible to draw a conclusion about the job satisfaction and distress prevalence among surgeons concerning working conditions in German hospitals. Results In this study 58.2% (95% CI: 55.6 - 61.5) of respondents showed unfavourable working conditions (ER/JDC ratio > 1). Meanwhile 52.2% (95% CI: 49.3 - 55.1) were satisfied with their job. The distress prevalence among female surgeons was six percent points higher (95% CI: 0.1 - 12.0) at 62.4% with an odds ratio compared to male surgeons of 1.29 (95% CI: 1.01 - 1.65; p < 0.05). Chief residents, in comparison to functional positions, showed with 22.0% the lowest distress prevalence of all positions. The highest prevalence was shown by fellows with 66.7% (OR: 7.11; 95% CI: 3.26 - 15.48; p < 0.001). Furthermore 43.4% of fellows said that they were very satisfied with their job. Among attendings 61.5% stated this (OR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.52 - 2.84; p < 0.001). Conclusions The outlined data emphasise a high stress-potential among surgeons in hospitals concerning working conditions. According to the ERI/JDC model emphasis should be put on the balance between effort and reward or, respectively, job demands and control. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.