Work-related behavior and experience patterns and predictors of mental health in German physicians in medical practice.
OBJECTIVE
Work-related stress and burnout among physicians are of increasing relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate work-related behavior and experience patterns and predictors of mental health of physicians working in medical practice in Germany.


METHODS
We surveyed a stratified, random sample of 900 physicians from different specialties. The questionnaire included the standardized instruments Work-related Behavior and Experience Pattern (AVEM) and the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12).


RESULTS
Only one third of physicians reported high or very high general satisfaction with their job, but 64% would choose to study medicine again. Only 18% of physicians presented a healthy behavior and experience pattern. Almost 40% presented a pattern of reduced motivation to work, 21% were at risk of overexertion, and 22% at risk for burnout. Willingness to study medicine again, fulfilled job expectations, professional years, marital status, and behavior patterns were significant predictors of mental health and accounted for 35.6% of the variance in mental health scores. Job-related perceptions also had a significant effect on burnout.


CONCLUSIONS
The strong influence of work-related perceptions suggests a need for realistic expectation management in medical education, as well as support in stress management and coping strategies during medical training.
Voltmer
Edgar
E
Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Friedensau Adventist University, Friedensau, Germany. edgar.voltmer@thh-friedensau.de
Schwappach
David L B
DL
Frank
Erica
E
Wirsching
Michael
M
Spahn
Claudia
C
D002055:Burnout, Professional; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors