Health-related quality of life in Hong Kong physicians up to 20 years post-graduation: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

BackgroundProblems with health-related quality of life can affect physicians' ability to work effectively. This study compared the health-related quality of life of Hong Kong physicians to the general population and explored the factors associated with mental and physical health-related quality of life.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2016. Medical graduates from the University of Hong Kong participated in a survey containing the Short Form-12 Item Health survey version 2, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and items on lifestyle behaviors, career satisfaction, and socio-demographics.Results496 responses were received. The mean physical component summary score was 53.2 (SD = 7.6), similar to the general population. The mean mental component summary score was 43.6 (SD = 11.8), significantly worse than the general population (PConclusionHong Kong physicians are less impacted by physical health than mental health. Compared to the general population, doctors' mental health has a more significant impact on their lives. Interventions aimed to improve burnout and depression rates in physicians may improve physicians' mental health-related quality of life.