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.
Department of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Friedensau Adventist University, Friedensau, Germany. edgar.voltmer@thh-friedensau.de
Edgar
E
Voltmer
David L B
DL
Schwappach
Erica
E
Frank
Michael
M
Wirsching
Claudia
C
Spahn
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