Health-related quality of life predictors during medical residency in a random, stratified sample of residents.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of life during the first three years of training and identify its association with sociodemographicoccupational characteristics, leisure time and health habits.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 128 residents stratified by year of training was conducted. The Medical Outcome Study -short form 36 was administered. Mann-Whitney tests were carried out to compare percentile distributions of the eight quality of life domains, according to sociodemographic variables, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed, followed by a validity checking for the resulting models.


RESULTS
The physical component presented higher quality of life medians than the mental component. Comparisons between the three years showed that in almost all domains the quality of life scores of the second year residents were higher than the first year residents (p < 0.01). The mental component scores remained high for third year residents (p < 0.01). Predictors of higher quality of life were: second or third year of residency, satisfaction with the training program, sufficient time for leisure, and care of critical patients for less than 30 hours per week.


CONCLUSIONS
The mental component of quality of life was the most impaired component, indicating the importance of caring for residents' mental health, especially during their first year and when they are overloaded with critical patients.
Macedo
Paula Costa Mosca
PC
Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. paulammacedo@gmail.com
Cítero
Vanessa de Albuquerque
Vde A
Schenkman
Simone
S
Nogueira-Martins
Maria Cezira Fantini
MC
Morais
Mauro Batista
MB
Nogueira-Martins
Luiz Antonio
LA
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010819:Physician's Role; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016526:Workload / Q000706:statistics & numerical data