Self-Rated Health of Primary Care House Officers
Author Information
Author(s): Yi Michael S, Mrus Joseph M, Mueller Caroline V, Luckhaupt Sara E, Peterman Amy H, Puchalski Christina M, Tsevat Joel
Primary Institution: University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Hypothesis
Distinct dimensions of religion, religiosity, and spirituality may have salutary effects on residents' overall self-rated health.
Conclusion
Residents' self-rated health was poorer than expected and was related to program type, depressive symptoms, and spiritual well-being.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 4% of subjects reported perfect health.
- Lower health ratings were associated with internal medicine residency and depressive symptoms.
- 39% of residents rated their health as excellent.
Takeaway
Doctors in training often feel less healthy than you'd think, and things like stress and spirituality can affect how they feel about their health.
Methodology
A questionnaire was administered to house officers in 4 residency programs to assess self-rated health and associated factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the specific residency programs involved.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causality, and acute illnesses were not accounted for.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 28.7 years; 58% female; 74% white; 73% Christian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website