At the Razor's Edge: Surgeons have Lower Stress Levels than the General Population

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the stress level in physicians of different levels of formation and to compare it between different medical specialties and the general population. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, using a questionnaire validated in Brazil in 2010, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Results The stress level was higher among surgical doctors in comparison with clinical doctors, regardless of the stage of formation. There was a difference between the sex of the professionals, men showing lower results. None of these was statistically significant. Comparing to the American population or South Brazilian teachers, the medical preceptors presented a significant lower level of stress. Conclusion The medical specialty as well as gender and level of medical formation influence in the professional stress level, being elevated in fields of higher working hours and constant pressure. Descriptors Stress, surgery, residents, medical students. How to cite this article Abreu-Reis P, Nasr A, Tomasich FS, Collaco IA, Bassani T, Clivatti GM, Fontanella AP, Ito JM, Manfrinato MFM, Hammerschmidt I. At the Razor's Edge: Surgeons have Lower Stress Levels than the General Population. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2016;5(1):26-30.