The aim of this study was to add to current understanding of the constituents of well-being amongst Palestinian helpers working in war-like conditions. Using a purposive sampling design, 23 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with health professionals in two Palestinian cities. Quantitative Textual Analysis was carried out, adopting content-pattern analysis via cluster methods. Two 'macro' dimensions emerged: specifically, a first dimension termed personal wellbeing and a second termed political well-being. Our investigation into the complex construct of quality of life illustrates that contextually based evidence does indeed help to identify bunched structures containing local cultural values defining well-being.

In this article, we propose that coping is not only an individual property but also a structural feature. Coping shapes what is referred to in social network theory as multiplex networks, which are based on relations with multiple functions, values and meanings. Focus groups with adult Palestinians were held and content analysed. Five main coping strategies were identified: (a) creating cultural and religious meaning; (b) individualism to collectivism; (c) normalization and habituation; (d) belonging, acceptance, expectation and readiness; and (e) social support. Participants also reported culture-specific expressions for indicating psychological distress. Implications for cultural informed clinical work are then discussed.

The GPs' poor detection rate of mental disorders indicates the importance of mental health training for GPs working in primary health care clinics.

This study aimed to describe the experiences of stress and burnout and sociodemographic factors associated with dimensions of stress among medical residents at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Medical residents participating in a stress management course were asked to complete an anonymous survey. The survey included demographic questions, the Abbreviated Maslach Inventory, and 4 open-ended questions on experiences with stress. Of the 150 residents participating in the stress management course, 142 responded to the survey, listing an average of 2.2 types of stressors, with workload and workplace relationships as the most frequent. They listed an average of 3.1 coping strategies, most frequently seeking out social support and entertainment. Responses indicated low depersonalization, high personal accomplishment, high satisfaction with medicine and high emotional exhaustion. Training to improve coping and reduce burnout is recommended.

The high prevalence of medical residents’ stress and burnout raises important questions about how to address this issue effectively and feasibly. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a stress management intervention on residents’ burnout and stress management behaviors and outcomes. We conducted a 1-day workshop for residents in Qatar. The objectives were to help residents identify stressors, identify early warning signs of stress, and practice intervention techniques. Participants completed a precourse survey, a course evaluation, and a 1-month-postcourse survey. Guided by the Kirkpatrick evaluation model, we measured participants’ reactions, learning, behavior, and the results of the training. A total of 256 residents participated in the course. In all, 92 % reported at least one piece of knowledge or skill that they could put into practice. At 1-month postcourse, 83.6% listed at least one piece of knowledge or skill that they had put into practice since the course. Using the abbreviated version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, residents improved in three of the four burnout constructs: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and satisfaction with the practice of medicine. An effective stress management intervention implemented in an international context resulted in residents applying the skills that they learned and a reduction of levels of burnout.