Comparison of stress levels between physicians working in public and private hospitals in Johor, Malaysia

Abstract

Objectives: Physicians are known to experience a high level of stress due to the profession itself, as well as due to factors related to the workplace, patient care, and work-life balance. Owing to the nature of public and private hospitals in Malaysia, physicians working in different settings are expected to have different levels of stress. However, there is no study to validate this assumption. The present study aimed to compare stress levels between physicians working in public and private hospitals in the state of Johor, Malaysia. Methods: Participants were selected via stratified sampling. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising demographic details and the Health Professional Stress Inventory. Scores on each domain and the aggregate scores were compared between physicians in public and private hospitals using a univariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The overall stress level between physicians in public and private hospitals was similar. However, physicians in private hospitals experienced a higher stress level related to patient care responsibilities and professional uncertainty as compared to those in public hospitals. Conclusion: Physicians from private hospitals experience stress in different aspects of their profession as compared to physicians in public hospitals, especially with reference to patient care and career uncertainty. Measures should be taken to relieve the stress of physicians and thus improve their wellbeing. Keywords: Burnout, Emotional stress, Health professions, Mental suffering, Physicians