Work‐related stress and coping methods of internists and primary care physicians during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan: A mixed‐method study. (23rd May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shikino, Kiyoshi; Kuriyama, Akira; Sadohara, Michito; Matsuo, Takahiro; Nagasaki, Kazuya; Nishimura, Yoshito; Nonaka, Saori; Izumiya, Masashi; Moriya, Mitsuru; Ohtake, Yoichi; Makiishi, Tetsuya
• Is Part Of: Journal of general and family medicine. Volume 23:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 327
• Page End: 335
• Publication Date: 2022-05-23
• Subjects: burnout -- COVID‐19 -- mixed method -- stress coping -- stress factor; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Family medicine -- Periodicals; Family Practice; Primary Health Care; Japan; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1002/jgf2.560
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2189-7948

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the mental health of health care workers. This study aimed to investigate the stress factors that cause burnout in Japanese physicians and their coping methods during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed‐method study to investigate the psychological responses of physicians in the early stages of the pandemic. A cross‐sectional, web‐based, anonymous survey was conducted among members of the American College of Physicians Japan Chapter to quantitatively investigate the stress factors and prevalence of burnout. An open‐ended questionnaire with questions about stress factors and coping methods was additionally administered. The qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Among the 1173 physicians surveyed, 214 (18.2%) responded. Among the participants, 107 (50.0%) responded "yes" to the question "I feel or have felt very stressed at work during the COVID‐19 pandemic, " and 68 (31.8%) reported burnout symptoms. Those who reported feeling stress (117 respondents) were asked to select 12 items of the stress factors related to COVID‐19. The most significant stress factor related to COVID‐19 was "Perceived risk of spreading COVID‐19 to family members" ( n = 47). Content analysis identified 12 categories for the stress factors and 7 for stress‐coping methods corresponding to COVID‐19 (Cohen's kappa = 0.84 and 0.95, respectively). Conclusion: Several distinct stressors existed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, which might be related to burnout among physicians. Practicing stress‐coping strategies, as identified in the present study, may help reduce work‐related stress and prevent burnout. Abstract : In the COVID‐19‐related stress factor, a total of 12 categories and 39 subcategories were identified. 'Material workload', 'Workplace relationship', 'Organisation', 'Achievement', 'Emotional workload', 'Human resource', 'Family', 'Infection control and prevention', 'Self‐care', 'Income', 'Infodemic', and 'Patient care'.