Radiology faculty compliance with recommended health guidelines: comparison with residents

The aims of this study were to determine diagnostic radiology faculty members' compliance with recommended health guidelines for physical activity, body weight, diet, and related health indicators and to compare faculty members' compliance with that of radiology residents.

A request to complete an online health survey was electronically sent to members of the Association of University Radiologists in September 2008. Results were compared to those from a similar survey completed by radiology residents in May and June 2007. Frequency counts and Fisher's exact tests were used to summarize results and to determine statistically significant relationships.

The sample consisted of 193 of 801 members of the Association of University Radiologists (24%). A greater percentage of faculty members than residents complied with recommendations for physical activity (52% vs 37%, P < .001) and the consumption of vegetables (67% vs 52%, P < .001), saturated fat (51% vs 37%, P < .001), and sodium (53% vs 37%, P < .001). A greater percentage of faculty members felt that they got enough sleep (51% vs 38%, P = .002) and did not think about stress on most days (39% vs 26%, P = .001). Most faculty members (59%) worked 51 to 60 hours a week, whereas most residents (59%) worked > 60 hours, and greater work hours were correlated with less resident physical activity (P = .017). More female than male faculty members (78% vs 57%, P = .010) and residents (83% vs 62%, P < .001) had body mass indexes < 25 kg/m(2).

A substantial percentage of faculty members were out of compliance with federal health guidelines, although less so than residents in many categories. Comments from both groups suggest a possible benefit from modifications to the work environment.