AN EVALUATION OF WORK-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG GENERAL SURGERY RESIDENTS WORKING IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Work-related quality of life (QoL) assessment has become indispensable due to the increasing number of occupational health issues among doctors. Despite their role in promoting community well-being, doctors' health is often neglected. The demanding working hours and significant daily stress of surgical residents have negatively impacted their WRQoL. Objective: This study aims to assess the factors affecting the quality of life, particularly among general surgery residents in our hospital, using the WRQoL questionnaire. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at DHQ hospitals. Data were collected electronically via email and WhatsApp messages from all general surgery residents from January 2024 to March 2024. A total of 84 resident surgeons participated in the study. The WRQoL questionnaire, comprising 23 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale, evaluated various aspects of their work-related quality of life. Data analysis used appropriate statistical methods to determine satisfaction levels across different parameters. Results: The study revealed that the home-work interface and stress at work were less satisfactory among the residents. In contrast, the overall general well-being and control at work were rated acceptable. These findings highlight areas where improvements are necessary to enhance the WRQoL for surgical residents. Conclusion: Despite the unsatisfactory home-work interface and stress at work, the overall quality of life among our surgical residents is satisfactory. However, further studies are needed to compare the QOL of different specialties and to examine differences between male and female residents.