Work stress and gender-dependent coping strategies in anesthesiologists at a university hospital

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate stressors and coping strategies for stress in a sample of anesthesiologists working at a university hospital.

Design: Cross-sectional study via survey instrument.

Setting: University department of anesthesiology and critical care at a 1305-bed hospital.

Participants: 135 anesthesia specialists and specialist trainees of anesthesia.

Measurements and main results: A total of 135 self-reporting questionnaires used to assess sociodemographic data, workload, task demands, stress-coping strategies, physical health, emotional well-being, and working conditions, were distributed. Of these, 89 questionnaires were completed and returned, for a response rate of 65.9%: 33 (37.1%) female anesthesiologists and 56 (62.9%) male anesthesiologists. The burden of task-related stressors and of communication possibilities was assessed differently by male and female anesthesiologists. Female anesthesiologists more frequently reported higher concentration demands (P = 0.013) and limited possibilities to control work (P = 0.009) than did their male colleagues. Work at intensive care units (P = 0.001) was particularly demanding and burdensome for female anesthesiologists. Combined evaluation of various stress-coping strategies did not show significant differences between the genders. Generally, anesthesiologists had more confidence in their own personal capabilities and resources and in their social-particularly family-support outside the workplace, than in their social support from colleagues and superiors.

Conclusions: Task-related stressors and communication possibilities differed between male and female anesthesiologists in our institution. Female anesthesiologists felt that they had less control over their work.