Work-Family Conflict Among Resident Physicians: A Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Internal Medicine Specialties

Authors : Görkem Ülger, Hamza Yıldız, Ece Aytan, Ebru Opcin, Melike Nebioğlu Yıldız

Pages : 323-327

Doi:10.16899/jcm.1555912

View : 53 | Download : 59

Publication Date : 2024-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: To investigate whether there is a difference in work-family conflict between surgical and internal medicine residents and to determine the factors associated with work-family conflict Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey study was conducted with 443 resident physicians working at a university hospital. A form about demographic data and a Turkish version of the Work-Family Conflict Inventory (WFCI) were used to gather data during in-person interviews. Results: Three-hundred-forty-eight residents responded (76.8%). Weekly working time was significantly more in surgical medical sciences (SMS) residents than in internal medicine sciences (IMS) residents (62.3±13.8 vs 53.2±13.6 hours respectively, p<0.001). The mean WFCI scores of the SMS and IMS residents were 19.5±4.3 and 17.9±5.1, respectively (p=0.002). Working hours and the number of shifts were associated with increased WFCI scores. Residents with incomes less than expenses had higher WFCI scores. Satisfaction, including institution, salary, and area of specialization, was negatively associated with the WFCI scores. Working as an SMS resident was found to be related to higher conflict scores than being an IMS resident. Income status, weekly working hours, and institution satisfaction were significant independent predictors of WFCI scores. Being an SMS or IMS resident did not come out to be a significant predictor of work-family conflict. Conclusion: WFCI scores are very high in resident physicians. The findings highlight the urgent need to address this issue through a multi-faceted approach that includes reducing working hours, improving income levels, enhancing institutional satisfaction, and providing support and resources to help residents balance work and family responsibilities
Keywords : İş aile çatışması, asistan doktor, cerrahi tıp bilimleri, dahili tıp bilimleri