Carolinas Research Day 2021

Clinical Studies

07 The Impact of Covid-19 on the Work-Life Balance and Mental Health of Resident Physicians in Southeastern US

Mya Lor, OMS-IV, Cecilia Paez, OMS-IV, Kelly Ward, OMS-IV, Lindsey Tjiattas-Saleski, DO, MBA, FACOEP

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas

Abstract: Multiple studies show that medical residents experience extreme levels of stress due to high job demands, intense patient care, and prolonged working hours. They take on multiple educational and clinical roles that can affect their performance and quality of personal and professional life. In addition to experiencing these work-related stressors, being able to maintain a work-life balance has become increasingly difficult throughout the years. The objective of this cross-sectional study investigated whether medical residents working in the Southeastern region of the United States are more likely to experience dissatisfaction in work-life

balance and increased mental health symptoms due to the COVID pandemic. An online survey containing a Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and questions pertaining to factors that may affect work-life balance and mental health was completed by residents. Inclusion criteria includes resident physicians of family medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine working in the Southeastern states (AL, FL, GA, NC, SC and VA). Exclusion criteria includes resident physicians from different specialties and residency programs not in the Southeast, and military programs were also excluded. Participants were recruited by contacting program directors

and coordinators of residency programs who then forwarded the survey link to their residents. Thus far, a total of 167 participants have completed the survey. Data collection will be completed on February 12th, 2021. Data analysis utilizing t-tests and chi-square tests will be conducted to determine if resident physicians are experience work-life dissatisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. With this knowledge, the medical field and residency programs will be able to find ways to improve work- life balance and the mental health of all resident physicians.

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