Journal of Korean Medical Science

Korean Acad Medical Sciences (대한의학회)
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High Occupational Stress and Low Career Satisfaction of Korean Surgeons

  • Kang, Sang Hee (Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Boo, Yoon Jung (Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Ji Sung (Department of Medical Statistics, Clinical Research Center, Asan Medical Center) ;
  • Han, Hyung Joon (Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Jung, Cheol Woong (Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kim, Chong Suk (Department of Surgery, Korea University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2014.06.24
  • Accepted : 2014.10.01
  • Published : 2015.02.10
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Abstract

Surgery is a demanding and stressful field in Korea. Occupational stress can adversely affect the quality of care, decrease job satisfaction, and potentially increase medical errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and career satisfaction of Korean surgeons. We have conducted an electronic survey of 621 Korean surgeons for the occupational stress. Sixty-five questions were used to assess practical and personal characteristics and occupational stress using the Korean occupational stress scale (KOSS). The mean KOSS score was 49.31, which was higher than the average of Korean occupational stress (45.86) or that of other specialized professions (46.03). Young age, female gender, long working hours, and frequent night duties were significantly related to the higher KOSS score. Having spouse, having hobby and regular exercise decreased the KOSS score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that long working hours and regular exercise were the independent factors associated with the KOSS score. Less than 50% of surgeons answered that they would become a surgeon again. Most surgeons (82.5%) did not want to recommend their child follow their career. Korean Surgeons have high occupational stress and low level of career satisfaction.

Keywords

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