At-Risk Work Hours Among U.S. Physicians and Other U.S. Workers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Medical Workforce Studies
• Public Health Research

Background:

• World Health Organization (WHO) systematic reviews link working ≥55 hours/week to increased morbidity and mortality from ischemic heart disease and stroke.
• Understanding the prevalence of long working hours among physicians is crucial for assessing occupational health risks within the medical profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the weekly work hours of U.S. physicians with those of the general U.S. working population.
• To identify factors associated with working ≥55 hours/week among physicians and other professionals.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to a probability-based sample of U.S. physicians and the general U.S. working population (n=2,508).
• Data collection occurred between November 20, 2020, and February 16, 2021, with data analyzed in 2022.
• Mean weekly work hours were assessed and compared between groups using multivariable analysis.

Main Results:

• Physicians reported a mean of 50.8 weekly work hours, significantly higher than the 40.7 hours reported by U.S. workers in other fields (p<0.001).
• Over 40% of physicians worked ≥55 hours/week, compared to only 9.2% of workers in other fields.
• Physicians (OR=8.62) and individuals with non-MD/DO professional/doctorate degrees (OR=3.74) were significantly more likely to work ≥55 hours/week, even after adjusting for demographic factors.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of physicians exceed work hour thresholds previously associated with adverse health outcomes.
• The findings underscore a significant occupational health challenge within the medical profession requiring attention and potential interventions.