House staff well-being

From a survey of 281 house-staff members of a university medical center, we found that nearly half the respondents were afraid to complain about their training programs and were concerned that their relationship with their partner would not survive the residency. In all, 40% reported that anxiety or depression impaired their performance for a month or more; 12% reported an increased use of alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine; and 7% an increased use of sedatives, stimulants, or opioids. Stressors and dysfunctional behaviors did not differ significantly between male and female house staff, but many women had more tenuous support systems. Married house staff had stronger support systems and less substance abuse, anxiety, and depression. Departments differed widely in house-staff morale, available social supports, and the frequency of dysfunctional behaviors. Residency program directors should assess their house staff's distress and study and initiate means to reduce stress, increase support, and facilitate coping.