Work-related stress: a survey of family-practice residents in ontario

A field survey of 273 residents in both years of the five family-practice residency programs in Ontario was undertaken to identify perceived sources of stress and to examine the relationship of stressors to work and career satisfaction, personal distress, and marital life. Differences were examined as between first-and second-year residents, and female and male residents, regardless of their year of training. Results of the survey indicate that first-year residents work more hours per week than do second-year residents, are more stressed by time-management problems and lack of self-confidence, and are more depressed. Women residents also work more hours weekly than do male residents, experience more stress related to time management and lack of self-confidence at work, and are more depressed, but drink less alcohol daily than do male residents. These results support previous work in this area. Future directions and recommendations for residency training programs are suggested.