A sample of paediatric residents' loneliness-anxiety-depression-burnout and job satisfaction with probable affecting factors

Abstract

Objective: To assess levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, burnout and job satisfaction among paediatric Residents, and how they influence each other. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram, and Konya Meram Education and Research Hospital, Turkey from January to June 2011, and comprised paediatric Residents and their counterparts from other departments who formed the control group. While maintaining confidentiality, a questionnaire was used to collect data that had elements of the University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Maslach Burnout Inventory and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire. SPSS version 13 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Overall there were 74 Residents in the study; 43(58%) working with the paediatrics department, and 31(42%) in the control group. Overall mean age was 27.60+/-2.25 years. Residents who were not satisfied with the city they were living in, with their professional career and who would not choose the same career given a second chance were feeling more lonely and had higher loneliness scores (p<0.05). In contrast, anxiety among female Residents who were unsatisfied with their professional career and working conditions was significantly high (p<0.05). Positive correlation was detected between the burnout levels of Residents and their anxiety, depression and loneliness scores (r=0.74; r=0.65; r=0.36). In terms of intrinsic, extrinsic and total job satisfaction, there was an obvious negative correlation (r=-0.57; r=-0.54; r=-0.61). Conclusion: Working conditions and professional liability were the main factors affecting the Residents. Informed decision and career willingness may help them feel better.