Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies were able to show that hazardous alcohol and substance abuse among physicians is not rare. Currently no recent data to detect risk groups are available either on the prevalence of hazardous drinking disorders and risky health behaviour among physicians or on influencing factors (age, gender, role, institution, specialization, working hours).MethodsA 42-item online questionnaire was distributed to 38 university hospitals, 296 teaching hospitals and 1290 physicians in private practice. The questionnaire addressed health behaviour and alcohol/substance consumption as well as demographic and work-related properties.ResultsOut of 1338 a total of 920 questionnaires could be evaluated. 90% of physicians estimate their health status as satisfying. 23% of doctors consume hazard quantities of ethanol, 5% are nicotine addicted, and 8% suffer from obesity. Childlessness (p = 0,004; OR = 1,67; KI = 1,17-2,37) for both genders and the role of a resident for females (p = 0,046, OR = 3,10, KI = 1,02-9,40) poses a risk factor for hazardous alcohol consumption. Weekly working hours of more than 50 h (p = 0,009; OR = 1,56; KI = 1,12-2,18) and a surgical profession (p < 0,001; OR = 2,03; KI = 1,47-2,81) may also be a risk factor towards hazardous and risky health behaviour.ConclusionA more structured and frequently repeated education on help offerings and specific institutions for addicted and risk groups seems essential.
Highlights
Previous studies were able to show that hazardous alcohol and substance abuse among physicians is not rare
Aspects of health attitude and consumption of addictive substances among doctors are frequently found in media and science [1,2,3,4,5,6]
Little scientific information on German doctors exists – prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption according to Rosta et al 2008 was 20% [1, 13, 14]
Summary
Previous studies were able to show that hazardous alcohol and substance abuse among physicians is not rare. No recent data to detect risk groups are available either on the prevalence of hazardous drinking disorders and risky health behaviour among physicians or on influencing factors (age, gender, role, institution, specialization, working hours). In the US, little scientific information on German doctors exists – prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption according to Rosta et al 2008 was 20% [1, 13, 14]. Burnout and depression among physicians as well as addiction and risky health behaviours are under-represented clinical pictures [15, 16]. In a survey study in 2008 Rosta found that surgical disciplines and male doctors pose risk groups for hazardous alcohol
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