Prevalence of fatigue among postgraduate trainees in the United States and Japan

Abstract

Abstract Background The difference in prevalence of fatigue among postgraduate trainees between the United States and Japan is unknown. Methods A cross‐sectional survey using Iowa Fatigue Scale was administered on postgraduate trainees in two internal medicine residency programs in New York and five postgraduate residency programs in Japan. Results Of the 393 trainees, 135 (34%) completed the survey. Seventy‐seven (57%) were US trainees. Both fatigue (42% vs 81%) and severe fatigue (4% vs 19%) were more prevalent in Japan (P < .01). US trainees felt more productive during work hours but less fatigued. Conclusions Fatigue was more prevalent among postgraduate trainees in Japan.

Keywords

• fatigue
• medical education
• medical trainees
• residency