A study on the health and well-being of doctors in Malta

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Doctors’ health, including mental health, can impair performance and reduce the quality of patient care. The aim of the study is to document physical and psychological health behaviours, self-stigma and help-seeking behaviours of doctors in Malta, and identify possible factors in the working environment that might be barriers or promoters for positive health behaviours.

METHOD: A national cross-sectional study of all doctors working in Malta, through the use on an online anonymous questionnaire. The participants provided socio-demographic data, health- and work-related information and completed standard assessment tools to assess well-being. Statistical and thematic analysis was carried out on the quantitative and qualitative data respectively.

RESULTS: The response rate was 13.7%. Almost 48% of doctors in Malta were overweight or obese, the majority of which were males. Doctors showed higher levels of severe stress when compared to their international peers, and levels of psychological distress and burnout were higher in trainees than specialists. Female doctors in Malta reported consistently higher levels of mental ill health in all areas being reviewed (stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress).

CONCLUSION: The results highlight the importance of developing strategies to improve working conditions for doctors in training and increasing their awareness of health issues (especially psychological), while training senior doctors and specialists to identify colleagues who need support and help. Interventions at various levels – personal, professional and organisational, are needed to help doctors improve and maintain their physical and mental health and well-being.