Job related affective well-being among primary health care physicians

Job related affective well-being is important for a healthy life and job satisfaction for all individuals, including physicians. The later group, however, is most often compromised.

We aimed to investigate a group of Turkish primary health care physicians' job related emotional perceptions and to assess their reactions in terms of stress, anxiety and depression.

A descriptive, cross-sectional, self-reported questionnaire study was conducted. A total of 60 primary health care centres and 274 general practitioners who were working at these centres participated in the study. The response rate was 74%. Printed questionnaires were completed by the participants anonymously. We used the Job Related Affective Well-Being Scale (JAWS) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 42). Correlation analysis and hierarchic regression were performed.

Correlations between JAWS and DASS total scores were negative and statistically significant (r = -0.52; P< 0.01). Low pleasure/high arousal (LPHA) and low pleasure/low arousal (LPLA) variations that describe negative emotional states show a positive and significant relationship with depression, anxiety and stress values. The highest mean score was obtained for the high pleasure/low arousal (HPLA) status that can be interpreted to mean that our study group was pleased with their job but was not motivated.

Physician's job related negative emotional perceptions are associated with reactions in terms of stress, anxiety and depression. For this reason, it is critical to consider primary care physicians' job related affectations and job related stimuli.