Work related stress among gynecologic oncologists

Lois M. Ramondetta, Diana Urbauer, Alaina J. Brown, Gwyn Richardson, Premal H. Thaker, Harold G. Koenig, Charles Levenback, Charlotte Sun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Up to one third of oncologists experience burnout. The objective was to determine correlates of work related stress in gynecologic oncologists (GOs). Methods: Using an online tool, we surveyed 273 members of the International Gynecologic Cancer (IGCS) Society (60% from North America) to examine demographic, psychological and spiritual correlates of work related stress (WRS) and burnout. Measures of death anxiety (DA) and locus of control (LOC) were also administered. Results: WRS did not correlate with religion, religiosity, race, or gender, but did correlate with DA (r = 0.23, p = 0.0006). WRS was also associated with younger age (p = 0.01) and fewer years out of training (p = 0.0286), higher scores on LOC Chance (r = 0.18, p = 0.007), higher scores on Powerful Other (r = 0.30, p < 0.0001), and lower scores on LOC Internality (r = - 0.30, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Responses from younger and less experienced GOs, correlate with higher WRS scores especially if their LOC is weighted toward chance and powerful others. Responses of GO's with these two characteristics also correlate with higher DA scores and reports of difficulty talking about death.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)365-369
Number of pages5
JournalGynecologic Oncology
Volume123
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2011

Keywords

  • Death anxiety
  • Gynecologic oncologist
  • Locus of control
  • Work related strain

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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