Health-related quality of life predictors during medical residency in a random, stratified sample of residents

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life during the first three years of training and identify its association with sociodemographicoccupational characteristics, leisure time and health habits.

Method: A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 128 residents stratified by year of training was conducted. The Medical Outcome Study -short form 36 was administered. Mann-Whitney tests were carried out to compare percentile distributions of the eight quality of life domains, according to sociodemographic variables, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed, followed by a validity checking for the resulting models.

Results: The physical component presented higher quality of life medians than the mental component. Comparisons between the three years showed that in almost all domains the quality of life scores of the second year residents were higher than the first year residents (p < 0.01). The mental component scores remained high for third year residents (p < 0.01). Predictors of higher quality of life were: second or third year of residency, satisfaction with the training program, sufficient time for leisure, and care of critical patients for less than 30 hours per week.

Conclusion: The mental component of quality of life was the most impaired component, indicating the importance of caring for residents' mental health, especially during their first year and when they are overloaded with critical patients.