Determinants of Work-Related Quality of Life in French Anesthesiologists

Little evidence is available regarding work-related quality of life (WRQoL) for anesthesiologists. We aimed to explore factors associated with WRQoL among French anesthesiologists.

The study surveyed French anesthesiologists qualified for more than 2 years. The primary objective was the determination of factors associated with WRQoL. Factors analyzed included demographic characteristics, lifestyle, financial status, personality traits, professional relations, management and organization, and occupational tasks when at work. Statistical analyses were performed using a multivariable quantile regression model.

Overall, 2040 anesthesiologists responded to the survey and 1922 responses were analyzed. The latter represents 19% of practicing French anesthesiologists. The following factors were independently associated with increased WRQoL: family income, long-term employment, organizational and managerial factors (lesser weekly workload, the belief of providing high quality, safe health care services, team management, and operating theatre organization), human relations (satisfaction with workplace ambiance and relations with hospital management and colleagues), and occupational tasks (participation in team activities). Three personality traits were found to be significantly associated with increased WRQoL: extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness. Neuroticism was associated with reduced WRQoL.

The current study demonstrates exogenous and endogenous factors associated with increased WRQoL in anesthesiologists. Results should be considered as explorative and provide hypotheses for further research in this domain.