Doctor’s presenteeism and its relationship with anxiety and depression: a cross-sectional survey study in China

Abstract

ObjectivesThe impact of presenteeism on doctors’ health, quality of patient care and overall performance of health institutions has been reported. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of presenteeism among doctors, the association between presenteeism and anxiety/depression, and aspects that can help alleviate presenteeism.DesignA cross-sectional anonymous survey study was conducted between 2017 and 2018.Setting30 hospitals in Hangzhou city, Zhejiang Province, China including 10 category 1 hospitals (20–99 beds), 10 category 2 hospitals (100–499 beds) and 10 category 3 hospitals (> 500 beds) which had the highest population coverage.ParticipantsAt least 3 doctors from each department in the studied hospitals participated. Each participant received a gift worth around US$5 at completion of the survey.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe prevalence of presenteeism and its relationship with anxiety or depression were evaluated as the primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of abnormal cases of anxiety and depression.ResultsThe survey was completed by 1153/1309 hospital doctors (response rate 88.1%). Presenteeism was reported by 66.4% of participants. Using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, 68.8% and 72.3% of participants had abnormal cases of anxiety and depression, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with abnormal cases of anxiety, borderline cases of depression or abnormal cases of depression were more likely to practice presenteeism (all p<0.05). Other significant work-related contributing factors included: time working at the current hospital, management duty, monthly salary and ease of replacement (all p<0.05).ConclusionPresenteeism was prevalent among doctors in China and the association of presenteeism with abnormal cases of anxiety or depression was significant. Considering the modifiable work-related contributing factors, appropriate measures at the healthcare institutions to support doctors’ mental health, help them develop and reinforce management skills, and ensure appropriate manpower are important to alleviate presenteeism behaviour.

The Psychological Health Status of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Guangdong, China

“…Our aim was to identify the determinative factors of the impact of COVID-19 on HCW's psychological status. A review of previous literature suggests that many factors can also affect the mental health of HCW in non-epidemic situations (19)(20)(21)(22). Further adjusted logistic regression showed that there was no significant correlation between the exposure risk and occupation, working years, and stigma and the psychological status of HCW during the outbreak of COVID-19.…”

“…Previous studies have shown that 23.9-68.8% of HCW suffered from mental health problems in China due to the high workload, promotion pressure, deteriorating doctor-patient relationships, medical disputes, and even violence (19)(20)(21)(22). On this basis, the outbreak of COVID-19 undoubtedly increased the psychological pressure of HCW, who were the soldiers in this battle.…”

Nurses’ Job Insecurity and Emotional Exhaustion: The Mediating Effect of Presenteeism and the Moderating Effect of Supervisor Support

“…However, most studies on presenteeism in the workplace have focused on European and Western countries (e.g., Britain, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United States), and more empirical researches are still required to examine presenteeism behavior in an Eastern cultural context (Zhang and Li, 2016;Xi et al, 2019). Moreover, owing to the changing environment of economy and organizations, the increased work pressure and unemployment rate foster employees' job insecurity (Cheng and Chan, 2008).…”

Evaluation of the association between presenteeism and perceived availability of social support among hospital doctors in Zhejiang, China

“…In China, the prevalence of presenteeism among doctors was found to be consistently higher, ranging from 47.5% for primary medical staff 40 to 66.4% for hospital doctors 41 as compared to as low as 15% among other employees 42 . Hospital doctors are especially prone to presenteeism mainly due to high job demand and intense occupational stress.…”