Physicians' Health in Upper Austria: A Cross-Sectional Study

Theresa Purkarthofer, Erika Zelko, Lisa Voggenberger, Andrée Rochfort

Keywords: Phisician Health, Upper Austria, Quality and Safety

Introduction:

Ensuring the well-being of physicians is paramount for delivering high-quality, safe, efficient, and sustainable patient care. Physicians also serve as role models for healthy living, influencing patient behaviours. Despite the importance of their health, there is a notable lack of research on the physical health and lifestyle of physicians in Austria. This study aims to bridge this gap by collecting data on the health status, lifestyle, and work-related stress of physicians working in Upper Austria.

Method:

From September 4th, 2023, to December 3rd, 2023, a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians in Upper Austria. The online questionnaire covered personal details, working conditions, health status, lifestyle, and work-related stress. Exclusions were made for physicians not working in Upper Austria or not working during the survey period due to various reasons. Descriptive analysis of the collected data was performed using SPSS.

Results:

Out of, 1078 participating physicians, 282 were excluded for not meeting inclusion criteria, and 95 incomplete questionnaires were disregarded. The dataset for statistical analysis comprises 701 fully completed and eligible questionnaires. The results of this comprehensive analysis will shed light on the health status of physicians in Upper Austria, identifying potential shortcomings and vulnerable groups.

Conclusions:

This poster presentation will showcase the findings of the descriptive analysis, offering insights into the health status of physicians in Upper Austria. The data presented will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by physicians, facilitating targeted interventions to improve their well-being. The study has received ethical approval from the Johannes Kepler University ethics committee, ensuring adherence to ethical standards in research.

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