Female Veterinarians Research Articles

Veterinarian-Chasing A Dream Job? A Comparative Survey on Wellbeing and Stress Levels among European Veterinarians between 2018 and 2023.

Whilst recognizing the abundantly positive aspects within the different domains of the veterinary profession, the challenging socio-economic and cultural working climate has been identified as a source of veterinary mental wellbeing issues. This mixed methods study provides an overview of the mental state of veterinarians across Europe via two cross-sectional surveys in 2018/2019 (n = 14,559 veterinarians) and in 2022/2023 (n = 12,393 veterinarians). Mental wellbeing was assessed using 3 indicators: self-reported stress levels, the need for medical leave due to reduced mental wellbeing (22% and 23%, resp., in 2018/2019 and 2022/2023) and the seven-question Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (2018/2019: 25, 2022/2023: 24.8). In both surveys, important differences were spotlighted between countries, but early-career veterinarians and female veterinarians were most at risk of decreased mental wellbeing all over Europe for all indicators. In conclusion, stress levels and need for medical leave due to reduced mental wellbeing remained at comparatively high levels across the two surveys and standardized mental wellbeing scores remained equally low. Notwithstanding the increased attention given to veterinary wellbeing in the last decade, our results underline that major efforts remain necessary, by creating more supportive and attractive workplaces that prioritize wellbeing, a good work/life balance, and providing job satisfaction.

A Cross-Cultural Study of Veterinarians’ Attitudes to the Euthanasia of Companion Animals

ABSTRACT The attitudes of veterinarians to the euthanasia of companion animals were investigated using an online questionnaire in Hungary (n = 93), Sweden (n = 145), and Jordan (n = 40). The questions concerned the number of euthanasia performed and the reasons for and circumstances surrounding them, the veterinarians’ opinions on four clinical cases, and the mental burden associated with euthanasia (using a 7-point Likert scale). The monthly number of euthanasia performed by the veterinarians was significantly related to the country (highest in Sweden), but no differences were found by age group (≤ 34 years, 35–54 years, ≥ 55 years) or gender. Untreatable conditions were the most common reason for euthanasia in all countries, but old age was also an important factor in Sweden. Swedish respondents were the most likely, and Jordanians the least likely, to fulfill euthanasia requests about aggressive, but otherwise healthy, animals. The reported mental burden of euthanasia was lowest in Sweden and highest in Jordan, and male veterinarians reported a lower burden than female veterinarians. The attachment of owners to their animals was not associated with the ethical burden of euthanasia experienced by the respondents. Veterinarians who performed more euthanasia per month reported a lower ethical burden. Most respondents considered what they had learned about the topic during their university education to be insufficient. According to our model, veterinarians’ attitudes toward euthanasia are associated with a combination of personal (gender, age, training background) and social (cultural, religious background) factors. Further research on this topic is important, not only for animal welfare rules and practices but also for the protection of veterinarians’ mental health.

Veterinarians and moral distress.

Assess veterinarians' reported levels of moral distress and professional well-being. Determine the predictive value of moral distress, controlling for demographic factors, on veterinarians' levels of Professional Fulfillment, Work Exhaustion, Disengagement, and Burnout. Members of the Veterinary Information Network. An electronic survey distributed via the Veterinary Information Network data collection portal. A total of 1,919 veterinarians completed the survey. For both associates and owners, gender and age were significant predictors of moral distress with younger female veterinarians reporting higher levels of distress than older male veterinarians. For associates, age was a positive predictor and moral distress score was a negative predictor of Professional Fulfillment. Age was a negative predictor, and female gender and moral distress score were both positive predictors for Work Exhaustion. For Interpersonal Disengagement and Burnout, age was a negative predictor and moral distress score was a positive predictor. For owners, age was a positive predictor and moral distress score was a negative predictor for Professional Fulfillment. Age was a negative predictor, and female gender and moral distress score were both positive predictors of Work Exhaustion, Interpersonal Disengagement, and Burnout. We found that, controlling for age and gender, higher levels of moral distress predicted lower levels of Professional Fulfillment and higher levels of Work Exhaustion, Interpersonal Disengagement, and Burnout. Given the prevalence of moral distress and its impact on mental health, it is imperative that the veterinary field provide training and education on how to recognize and navigate ethical conflicts.

Euthanasia of Dogs by Australian Veterinarians: A Survey of Current Practices.

Euthanasia techniques utilised by veterinarians impact the welfare of many dogs in their final moments. Despite euthanasia guidelines, little is known about euthanasia techniques used in practice. We administered an online survey of Australian veterinarians who had euthanised at least one dog in the previous 12 months. We found that 668 (96.8%) had euthanised a dog in the previous 12 months, almost all using intravenous pentobarbitone sodium (n = 651, 99.7%). For non-emergency euthanasia (n = 653), the majority (n = 442, 67.7%) administered a premedication or sedation prior to euthanasia versus less than half for emergency euthanasia (n = 286, 46.4%). Practices and views about euthanasia varied. Female veterinarians and veterinarians located in metropolitan regions were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). Veterinarians in private mixed animal practices were less likely to administer a premedication or sedation prior to a non-emergency euthanasia (p < 0.05). For non-emergency and emergency euthanasia, veterinarians who worked in "other" practice types were more likely to administer a premedication or sedation than private companion animal practices (p < 0.05). The possible reasons for differences in euthanasia practices are explored, and scope for refinement is identified.

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The transmissible nature of certain diseases makes anthropozoonosis an important hazard associated with veterinarians. For this reason, the attitude and compliance of veterinarians in Nigeria to personal protective equipment (PPE) use was studied using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered at the 2017 Veterinary continuing education seminar held at Akure (Ondo state), Veterinary clinics, and schools across the six (6) geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A total of 516 Veterinarians with specialties in large animals (40.7%), small animals (36.8%), avian (19.4%), wildlife (1.9%), and general practice (1.2%) participated in the study. More female veterinarians specialized in small animals (15.5%) than avian (3.9%), large (1.9%), and general practice (0.4%). PPE use varied in both clinical and non-clinical procedures and across the specialty. Only 176 (34.1%) veterinarians have attended PPE seminars on training and re-training since they began to practice, organized by the government (23.3%) and non-governmental organizations (76.7%). Attendees sponsors at such seminars were self (38.6%), governmental (44.3%), and non-governmental organizations (17.0%). This study highlighted the potential route of the spread of some zoonotic pathogens to other humans. There is a need to embark on measures that will encourage the use of PPE among veterinarians across specialties in Nigeria. Key words: Nigeria, personal protective equipment, veterinarian, knowledge, attitude.

Assessment of knowledge, perception, practices and drivers of antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial usage among veterinarians in Pakistan

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) and irrational antimicrobial usage (AMU) are a global problem, particularly evident in low- and middle-income countries including Pakistan. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and prescribing practices (KAP) of field veterinarians regarding AMR and AMU. MethodsA questionnaire-based online survey was conducted using Google forms to collect data on AMR and AMU from veterinary practitioners in Pakistan between July 25, 2020, and February 2, 2021. The questionnaire was comprised of four sections: 1) Demographic information of the respondents, 2) Knowledge about AMR, and AMU, 3) Antibiotic prescribing behavior, attitudes and influencing drivers and 4) Practices of respondents about AMU and drug disposal. ResultsA total of 545 participants (Male 84%, Female 16%) completed the survey. The respondents’ qualification (P = 0.008), gender (P = 0.007) and type of practitioner (P < 0.001) had a significant association with the mean knowledge score about AMR. Most of the veterinarians had never attended any training, symposium, or awareness session on AMR (63%) and methods to detect antibiotic residues (71%). Participating veterinarians frequently included “critically important antimicrobials” in their treatment regimens. Most veterinarians (60%) prescribed antibiotics for viral diseases. Our study showed that about 44% of veterinarians disposed of expired drugs in the garbage. Antibiotics were prescribed as mass medication and for prophylaxis by 59% and 33% of the veterinarians, respectively, while about 60% of the veterinarians prescribed antibiotics starting with double doses in their treatment regimens. Importantly, only 4% of the veterinarians recognized the concept of One Health. Male veterinarians had higher odds of prescribing mass medication (OR=3.07, P < 0.001) and use of antibiotics for disease prophylaxis (OR=2.31, P = 0.002) than females, whereas improper disposal of expired antimicrobials (OR=2.12, P = 0.003) was more common in female veterinarians. Government veterinarians had 2 (OR=1.95, P = 0.016) and 3 (OR=3.05, P < 0.001) times higher odds to prescribe antibiotics prophylactically and for mass treatments, respectively compared to full-time private veterinarians. ConclusionOur study identifies key factors influencing veterinarians’ decision about antimicrobial prescription and highlights important shortcomings such as lack of training on rational use of antimicrobials, frequent use of antimicrobials for mass medication and prophylaxis, widespread use of critically important antimicrobials, and improper disposal practices. There is a dire need to improve knowledge of veterinary practitioners regarding AMR and to adopt a One Health approach to rationalize AMU at the national level in line with the regional and international guidelines.

Caring for Carers: Veterinarians Struggle With MH Issues

Caring for Carers: Veterinarians Struggle With MH Issues

Female veterinarians' experiences with human clients: the link to burnout and depression

PurposePrevious research studies have noted that veterinarians are up to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Studies have indicated possible catalysts for this increased risk, including exposure to euthanasia, depression, burnout, compassion fatigue, occupational stress, work–life imbalance and anxiety. With female veterinarians reporting higher rates of mental health issues and the fact that the ratio of female to male veterinarians is almost 2:1, the study focused on the female veterinarian population. Few research studies have been conducted to examine stressors directly related to human factors. The present study aims to examine the path to depression and burnout as it relates to positive versus negative interactions with human clients (owners of animal patients).Design/methodology/approachThe study recruited 222 female veterinarians online (average age = 36.89). The participants completed three scales measuring (1) burnout; (2) depression, anxiety and stress; and (3) positive and negative experiences with human clients.FindingsUsing the structural equation modeling (SEM), the results showed contrasting patterns of positive versus negative client-related experience in relation to burnout and depression. Positive client experience showed a direct path to the lower levels of depression and client-related burnout while negative client experience revealed a non-direct path to depression but a direct path to more specific burnout such as client-related and work-related burnout.Originality/valueResults of the study offered insight into the unique contribution of client-related experience in burnout and depression as positive versus negative client experience took on differential paths to depression and burnout.

Gendered Barriers and Opportunities for Women Smallholder Farmers in the Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine Value Chain in Kenya.

Simple SummarySmall animals such as goats, sheep and chickens are an important source of income for rural livelihoods, especially for women farmers in Africa, because they are able to control the resources that come from the sale of these animals. However, one of the biggest problems they face is livestock diseases, even when vaccines are available. In Kenya, Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly infectious disease of goats with a mortality rate of more than 70%. A vaccine for CCPP is available but difficult to access by women in the rural areas. This study examines the gaps and barriers that prevent women smallholder farmers from effectively accessing and adopting CCPP vaccination for their animals in the Machakos district of Kenya. Our results indicate that key constraints to vaccine access and adoption for rural smallholder women farmers are lack of a cold chain for vaccine maintenance, inadequate and late delivery of veterinary services, lack of information and training, and limited financial capacity to purchase the vaccine. If more resources, information, and training is made available to women smallholder farmers through government or the private sector, there would be improved livestock productivity, better livelihoods, and increased opportunities and agency for women.Most rural women smallholder farmers in Kenya generate income from the sale of small ruminant animals. However, diseases such as Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) prevent them from optimizing earnings. A crucial aspect for the control of CCPP is vaccination. In Kenya, CCPP vaccines are distributed through a government delivery mechanism. This study examines gaps and barriers that prevent women smallholder farmers from accessing CCPP vaccines. Qualitative data collection tools used were focus groups discussions, focus meals, jar voices and key informant interviews. Using outcome mapping (OM) methodology, critical partners and stakeholders in the CCPP vaccine value chain (CCPP-VVC) were identified to be the manufacturers, importers, distributors, agrovets, public and private veterinarians, local leaders, and farmers. Respondents highlighted the barriers to be limited access to vaccines due to cold chain problems, inadequate and late delivery of services, lack of information and training on vaccines, and financial constraints. Identified opportunities that can support women’s engagement in the CCPP-VVC are the Kenya Governments two-third gender rule, which requires that not more than two thirds of the members of elective or appointive bodies shall be of the same gender, and positive community perception of female veterinarians. We conclude that more resources and training should be made available to women farmers, and that gender perspectives on policy development related to livestock production and disease prevention are urgently needed to improve livestock productivity and increase agency for women.

Physiological recovery among workers in long-distance sleddog races: A case study on female veterinarians in Finnmarksløpet

BACKGROUND: During Finnmarksløpet (FL, one of the longest distance sleddog races in the world), veterinarians are exposed to extreme environmental conditions and tight working schedules, with little and fragmented sleep. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case study was to examine cardiovascular parameters and sleep-wake patterns among veterinarians working within FL, during and after (for a month) the end of the race. METHODS: Six female veterinarians volunteered for the study. The participants wore a wrist device for a total of eight weeks in order to passively and semi-continuously record physiological responses throughout the day (i.e., heart rate, heart rate variability, number of steps, and sleep quality). Moreover, perceived sleep quality was assessed by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at three time-points. RESULTS: During and for one month after completion of the FL, most veterinarians presented an alteration of cardiovascular parameters and sleep quality. The heart rate circadian rhythm returned to pre-race values within about two weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The long-lasting alteration of the veterinarians’ cardiovascular parameters and sleep-wake patterns might have negative consequences for their health in the long-term, especially if similar experiences are repeated more times though the course of a year or season. More research is needed in order to understand the health risks, as well as how to prevent them, among veterinarians in long-distance sleddog races or other similar events.

All causes of death among veterinarians in the United States during 1979 through 2015

To assess proportionate mortality from all causes for male and female US veterinarians during 1979 through 2015. Death records for 11,620 veterinarians. For this proportionate mortality ratio (PMR) study, information for veterinarians who died during 1979 through 2015 was obtained from AVMA obituary and life insurance databases and submitted to a centralized database of US death records to obtain underlying causes of death. Decedent data that met records-matching criteria were imported into a software program for calculation of PMRs for all causes stratified by sex and indirectly standardized for age, race, and 5-year calendar period with 95% CIs. 11,620 decedents consisted of 11,049 (95%) males and 571 (5%) females with a median age at death of 77 years. Proportionate mortality for all veterinarian decedents was higher than expected for melanoma (PMRs, 2.1 and 2.2 for males and females, respectively), suicide (PMRs, 2.1 and 3.5 for males and females, respectively), and transportation injuries (PMRs, 1.7 and 1.6 for males and females, respectively). Proportionate mortality for all decedents was lower than expected for respiratory cancers (PMRs, 0.6 and 0.5 for males and females, respectively), diabetes mellitus (PMRs, 0.7 and 0.4 for males and females, respectively), heart disease (PMRs, 0.9 and 0.6 for males and females, respectively), and respiratory disorders (PMRs, 0.7 and 0.6 for males and females, respectively). Results indicated proportionate mortality from malignant melanoma, transportation injuries, and suicide for male and female veterinarians was higher than the general population. These data may help stakeholders improve veterinarian workplace safety and health guidelines.

Prevalence and individual and work-related factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours among veterinarians in Norway: a cross-sectional, nationwide survey-based study (the NORVET study)

ObjectivesSeveral studies have shown increased suicide rates among veterinarians. We investigated the self-reported prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and contributing and independent factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours...

Supportive relations in a feminized occupation: How male and female veterinarians compare.

Several traditionally male-dominated professions, including law and medicine, have experienced an influx of women over the last 30 years. We extend research on gender equality in the professions, which has often examined segmentation and stratification, by examining the integration of men and women into a traditionally male-dominated profession in terms of the emotional and instrumental support they receive from colleagues. We examine veterinary medicine as a case study because interestingly this profession has seen the most dramatic growth in the representation of women over the last 30 years - more than law or medicine. We also explore whether traditional masculine control tasks (clinic ownership and autonomy) and traditional female care tasks (animal care and client interactions) are related to integration. We analyze survey data from 384 Canadian veterinarians. Findings show that practice ownership and challenging client interactions are associated with reduced support for women, but not for men. In contrast, directly caring for animals is associated with more support for men, but this is not the case for women. We discuss the implications of differential levels of social support for the integration of women into traditionally male-dominated professions.

A Relationship between Socio-personal Characteristics with the Extent of Accessing Different Information Sources on Dairy Husbandry Activities by Field Veterinarians in Coastal Odisha

Background: Veterinarians in field conditions access different sources for gathering information on dairy husbandry activities. The information source used most frequently must be given due importance by the researchers and scientists to provide quality information. Methods: The present study was conducted among 120 field veterinarians of coastal Odisha. The sources used by the respondent veterinarians were identified and analysed for the extent of usage of the sources. The mean was calculated for frequency of accessing different sources for information on dairy husbandry activities as per the data collected in a 3-point continuum scale namely Always (2), Sometimes (1) and Never (0) and ranks were assigned accordingly. The effect of different independent variables on different information sources was analysed using one way ANOVA. Result: It was reported that usage of internet by the respondents was ranked 1st followed by WhatsApp 2nd, Personal contact 3rd, Phone calls 4th, Technical literatures 5th, books 6th, journals 7th, TV 8th, Apps 9th, SMS 10th and email 11th respectively. It was observed that the female respondent veterinarians were using books and journals significantly more than their male counterparts. Significant difference was observed in usage of books for acquiring information between the respondent veterinarians of young age group (up to 35 years) and old age group ( greater than 50 years). Significant differences were observed between the respondent veterinarians with less than 10 years of job experience and greater than 20 years of experience for using personal contact method with the lower estimates for the higher experienced group.

The role of experience, specialty certification, and practice ownership in the gender wage gap for veterinarians in the United States.

To explore the role of various factors in the wage gap between male and female veterinarians in the United States in 2016 and 2017. 2,760 veterinarians across the United States. Data from the Census of Veterinarians Survey administered by the AVMA Economics Division in 2016 and 2017 were analyzed. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov 2-sample test was used to determine whether a difference existed between male and female income distributions at various levels of experience. Quantile regression was performed separately for male and female respondents to determine the direct effects of individual factors on incomes and compare the effects of practice ownership versus nonownership on income. Income distributions of men and women were unequal at lower experience ranges but equal at higher experience ranges. Income increased for men with each additional year of experience and with practice ownership. For women, practice owners in the lowest income quantile had a negative return to income; overall, their income benefited most from ownership in the form of partnerships. For certain groups, incomes of both genders were lower when they had absences from the workforce. Findings suggested that the largest source of gender income disparity for veterinarians was attributable to female practice owners earning less than their male counterparts. Indeed, women earned more from specialty certifications than from owning a clinic. To decrease income disparities between genders, ways should be identified to support women-owned practices and promote equal pay.

An Explanation of a Gender Earnings Gap in the Veterinary Profession

Analysis of a unique data set of U.S. veterinary firms and veterinarians provides evidence of significant differences in earnings between self-employed males and females. After controlling for important concomitant variables, including training and experience, self-employed female veterinarians generally own smaller clinics and have lower earnings than their male counterparts. This study considers which demographic/economic factors may be associated with observed gender differences in earnings. The gender gap for average earnings is about 44 percent; however, when controlling for certain characteristics, the gap narrows to as little as 23 percent, depending on the model specification. Firm size was found to be the strongest contributing factor in explaining the gender gap in earnings, and so, possible explanations for differences in firm size have also been discussed. Whilst the analysis is not conclusive, there is evidence that self-employed females may face customer discrimination, which may constrain the growth and size of female-owned firms. (JEL D21) Keywords: Gender differences, salaries, self-employment, veterinarians

Creature Welfare Worldwide, the Opinion of Practicing Veterinarians

The goal of this examination was to research the creature government assistance issues considered the most significant by friend creature veterinarians around the world. For this reason, a worldwide review of a few potential creature government assistance issues was circulated through SurveyMonkey® in different dialects. The conveyance of overview reactions varied by locale. The principle creature government assistance concern revealed overall was heftiness, despite the fact that there were contrasts across locales, conceivably because of social and financial variables. Humanoid attribution (crediting human characteristics or qualities to a creature) was an issue in western nations however less so in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. There were huge contrasts among Asia and Europe, Africa, and Oceania in the significance and predominance of comfort killing. There were likewise age and sex contrasts in member reactions, with more established veterinarians announcing less government assistance issues than more youthful veterinarians, and female veterinarians revealing more government assistance issues than their male partners.

Attitudes of Bavarian bovine veterinarians towards pain and pain management in cattle

BackgroundPain recognition in cattle is difficult, but the control and treatment of pain are essential for animal welfare. Pain evaluation depends on the observer’s experience and opinion, resulting in different...

A survey of negative mental health outcomes, workplace and school climate, and identity disclosure for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and asexual veterinary professionals and students in the United States and United Kingdom.

To compare the prevalence of negative mental health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and asexual (LGBTQ+) veterinary professionals and students with the prevalence reported in a previous study of veterinarians; compare LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals and students in regard to access to LGBTQ+ policies and resources, workplace or school climate, and identity disclosure; and examine whether these variables were associated with mental health (eg, psychological distress) or work- and school-related (eg, emotional labor) outcomes. 440 LGBTQ+ veterinary professionals and students in the United States and United Kingdom. Between July and December 2016, a web-based questionnaire was distributed through email messages to members of LGBTQ+ veterinary groups and announcements at general veterinary and LGBTQ+-focused conferences and in newsletters. Nonheterosexual cis men, nonheterosexual cis women, and transgender and nonbinary individuals all had higher lifetime prevalences of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide, compared with previously reported prevalences for male and female veterinarians in general. Professionals reported more welcoming climates than did students (eg, lower frequency of exposure to homophobic language and more supportive environments) and greater identity disclosure; however, students reported greater access to institutional resources and policies. Climate variables had a more robust relationship with negative outcomes than did access to LGBTQ+ policies or identity disclosure variables. Comparatively high rates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ professionals and students and the relationship between climate variables and negative mental health outcomes suggested enhanced efforts are needed to improve the climates in veterinary workplaces and colleges.

Animal Welfare Worldwide, the Opinion of Practicing Veterinarians

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the animal welfare issues considered the most important by companion animal veterinarians worldwide. For this purpose, a global survey of several potential animal welfare issues was distributed via SurveyMonkey® in multiple languages. The distribution of survey responses differed by region. The main animal welfare concern reported worldwide was obesity, although there were differences across regions, possibly due to cultural and socioeconomic factors. Anthropomorphism (attributing human qualities or characteristics to an animal) was an issue in western countries but less so in Asia, Africa, and Oceania. There were significant differences between Asia and Europe, Africa, and Oceania in the importance and prevalence of convenience euthanasia. There were also age and sex differences in participant responses, with older veterinarians reporting fewer welfare problems than younger veterinarians, and female veterinarians reporting more welfare issues than their male counterparts.