[Prevalence and potential predictors of morbidity among Hungarian female physicians]

We explored the general health status of physicians in Hungary using a nationwide sample. Based on international and Hungarian literature, we hypothesised that the prevalence of psychiatric and somatic morbidity is higher among female physicians in Hungary compared to the normative population.

The objective of our cross-sectional research was to study the morbidity of Hungarian female physicians as well as to analyse background factors. Data for this national study were collected from 408 female physicians. 818 white collar workers from a representative survey (Hungarostudy 2002) served as controls.

The prevalence of chronic somatic morbidity and reproduction disorders among female physicians was significantly higher than that in the control group. The female physicians have more chronic diseases, and the somatic morbidity have been appeared earlier. Correlation analyses confirmed a significant relationship: the chronic morbidity associated with injurious to health, sleep disorders and higher levels of work-family conflict. We found that the prevalence of chronic somatic morbidity among female physicians was significantly higher than that in the respective control groups.

The higher prevalence of somatic and mental morbidity of Hungarian female physicians has important consequences. This may influence health care systems and thus might lead increased morbidity and mortality of Hungarian population.