Gender differences in the perception of quality of life during internal medicine training: a qualitative and quantitative analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe higher level of participation by women in medicine may impact this profession’s evolution due to gender differences perceived during medical school, after graduation and during residency. Gender differences regarding quality of life are associated with higher states of anxiety and depression among female physicians.We aimed to assess gender differences in the perception of quality of life with quantitative methods and to understand further, from the female residents´ point of view, the reasons that may influence the perception of quality of life using qualitative method. Resilience, empathy and daytime sleepiness were also scored.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study with first-year internal medicine residents to evaluate self-reported quality of life factors specific to medical residents (VERAS-Q), including empathy (Jefferson Scale of Empathy), resilience (Wagnild and Young Brief Resilience Scale) and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Scale). We explored, from the female residents´ view which factors may influence the perception of quality of life using a focus group method.ResultsIn our study, one hundred and nine residents completed the survey: 31 (28.4%) were female and 78 (71.6%) were male. Female residents exhibited significantly lower scores than those of male residents for quality of life in the domains of time management (30.3, females vs 41.1, males; p < 0.001), psychology (48.1, females vs 56.7, males; p < 0.01) and physical health (42.8, females vs 53.6, males; p < 0.05). Female residents also scored higher for daytime sleepiness (13.0, females vs 9.0, males; p < 0.001), with pathological scores for daytime sleepiness. No significant gender differences were found in the resilience or empathy scores. The focus group assessment revealed difficulty in concentration and knowledge acquisition, insecurity, feelings of loss, greater critical perception, self-doubt and difficulty in creating effective bonds to support the training period as the main factors involved in the lower perception of quality of life among the women.ConclusionsIn conclusion, female residents had lower scores for quality of life and higher scores for daytime sleepiness. Measures to improve quality of life among female residents during this critical period of medical training might include investing in mentoring to help them better manage their time and encouraging activities that facilitate relationship development.

Empathy, Gratitude, and Resilience – Does Gender Make a Difference?

“…In contrast, the Oginska-Bulik & Juczyński (2008) found no gender differences in terms of openness to experience and perseverance. The results of other studies find no gender difference in resilience and empathy, especially among physicians or medicine students (Kobayasi et al, 2018). That is, in a biomedical learning environment, males and females are more similar than different.…”

Medical students perceptions and motivations in time of COVID-19 pandemic

“…[15] Also, females are more prone to develop anxiety and stress disorders, be more affected by human suffering and have worse perceptions about their own quality of life, health and skills. [16][17][18] These factors can influence their intentions to act in pandemic. Nonetheless, we cannot disregard gender bias as a possible limitation of our instrument.…”

Medical students’ perceptions and motivations during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…We argue that this difference is possibly due to males' higher propensity to take risks in the health/safety domain [15]. Additionally, females are more prone to develop anxiety and stress disorders; be more affected by human suffering; and have worse perceptions about their own quality of life, health and skills [16][17][18]. These factors can influence their intentions to act during a pandemic.…”