Archana S., Pawar K. Senthil kumar
Introduction: Medical profession by itself is open to various challenges. Challenges are in the form of handling patients individually, decision making in the mode of treatment, competency etc. Are the medical practitioners of today equipped to face these challenges? It is a known fact that doctors are prone for more stress from various previous studies. This study basically aims at analysing their stress levels and assessing their stressors and to make them think about re-modifying their life style and to inculcate measures to relieve their stress. This would enhance an opportunity to cope with the stress, thus having impact on their health.
Aim: To identify the prevalence of levels of stress in the medical practitioners in Kanchipuram.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among private medical practitioners in Kanchipuram. The participants were allopathic doctors with MBBS and master’s degree. 160 doctors were enrolled for the study by simple random sampling. These doctors were preferred area wise within 3 km radius from kanchipuram private medical college. 160 doctors were considered as it was time framed. Prior informed consent was obtained and details were explained regarding the study. A Standard Perceived stress scale (PSS 10) questionnaire was given to the doctors involved in study at their own clinical set up and was asked to answer the questionnaire with relaxed mindset was used to assess stress levels. Time duration given was fifteen minutes. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20. The study was done from October to November 2018.
Results: Among 160 participants, Males were 82 (51.2%) and females were 78 (48.8%). Mean PSS score of doctors was 17.74 ± 4.513. Prevalence of moderate stress was (62%) and low stress was 19% and highly perceived stress was 19%. The prevalence of moderate stress was more in females (87.2%). Inadequate resources and staff was stressful to 58.8% of doctors and no time for exercise and leisure activities was stressful to 56.3% of doctors and missing meals to 53.8% of doctors.