Psychological health problems of resident doctors in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Abstract

Objective. To determine the level of psychological morbidity among doctors in a residency programme in order to reduce levels of distress, prevent professional dysfunction, and improve the overall quality of the programme for the benefit of both patients and the profession. Method. A cross-sectional study was undertaken of all resident doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. All the residents were given a 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30), and a questionnaire on sociodemographic/job-related factors. Result. Of 100 respondents given questionnaires, 70 returned completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 70%. Eighteen (25.7%) scored 4 or more on the 30-item GHQ, and were regarded as having psychological morbidity. There was significant association between psychological morbidity and reduced religious activities, negative effects on residents' family, spousal dissatisfaction with the residency programme, and call duty. Conclusion. Strategies to improve the residency programme should be instituted and should include support mechanisms. Establishment and incorporation of stress management and emotional management training into medical school and residency curricula are also advocated. It is hoped that our finding of a high level of morbidity among residents and the associated risk and mitigating factors will stimulate additional research in this area.