Analysis of Job Stress and Satisfaction among First Postgraduate Year Residents: A Nationwide Survey in Taiwan

Purpose: The first year of postgraduate residency (PGY1) is the most stressful year. The aim of this study was to investigate the job stressors among PGY1 residents, to measure their job satisfaction and to explore any influencing factors. Methods: PGY1 residents in the academic year 2006 were the study subjects. The study was conducted from January to June 2007. The job stress and satisfaction data were collected via a questionnaire survey . The job stressors were examined by factor analysis. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was used to explore the predictors related to job satisfaction. Results: A total of 555 PGY1 residents (response rate 90.0%) completed the survey. Five stressors were identified including working situational stress, clinical skill stress, emotional pressure/demands from patients, dealing with family and friends' illness, and personal stress; these explained 55.7% of the total variance. Overall, 38.0% of the residents frequently or always perceived the presence of job stress. Working situational stress and the emotional pressure/demands from patients were the main stressors. Close to 70% of the residents felt they had insufficient sleep or that the need to be constantly alert on duty was very stressful. Furthermore, more than 60% of the residents perceived that there was excess pressure due to the clerical /administrative activities or an excessive workload. Finally , 55.0% of the residents felt threatened by the possibility of making a mistake or perceived the threat of litigation. The important significant predictors of job satisfaction were working situational stress, which explained 19.9% of the variance and emotional support, which explained 9.7% of variance. Conclusion: PGY1 residents perceived that most of their stress came from their working situation and the emotion pressure/demands of patients. The presence of working situational stress affected their job satisfaction. Developing assistance services for these residents or reinforcing the functioning of the current mentoring system are recommended in order to promote the well-being of these residents, which, in turn, would improve the quality of medical care provided.