J Korean Med Sci.  2015 Feb;30(2):133-139. 10.3346/jkms.2015.30.2.133.

High Occupational Stress and Low Career Satisfaction of Korean Surgeons

• Kang SH
• Boo YJ
• Lee JS
• Han HJ
• Jung CW
• Kim CS

• KMID: 2129641
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2015.30.2.133

Abstract

Surgery is a demanding and stressful field in Korea. Occupational stress can adversely affect the quality of care, decrease job satisfaction, and potentially increase medical errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and career satisfaction of Korean surgeons. We have conducted an electronic survey of 621 Korean surgeons for the occupational stress. Sixty-five questions were used to assess practical and personal characteristics and occupational stress using the Korean occupational stress scale (KOSS). The mean KOSS score was 49.31, which was higher than the average of Korean occupational stress (45.86) or that of other specialized professions (46.03). Young age, female gender, long working hours, and frequent night duties were significantly related to the higher KOSS score. Having spouse, having hobby and regular exercise decreased the KOSS score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that long working hours and regular exercise were the independent factors associated with the KOSS score. Less than 50% of surgeons answered that they would become a surgeon again. Most surgeons (82.5%) did not want to recommend their child follow their career. Korean Surgeons have high occupational stress and low level of career satisfaction.

Keyword

Occupational Stress; Surgeon; Physicians; Career Satisfaction; Working Hours; Exercise; Burnout

MeSH Terms

Adult
Burnout, Professional/*psychology
Female
Humans
*Job Satisfaction
Male
Middle Aged
Quality of Health Care
Questionnaires
Republic of Korea
Stress, Psychological/*psychology
Surgeons/*psychology