Work related stress among gynecologic oncologists

ObjectiveUp to one third of oncologists experience burnout. The objective was to determine correlates of work related stress in gynecologic oncologists (GOs).MethodsUsing an online tool, we surveyed 273 members of the International Gynecologic Cancer (IGCS) Society (60% from North America) to examine demographic, psychological and spiritual correlates of work related stress (WRS) and burnout. Measures of death anxiety (DA) and locus of control (LOC) were also administered.ResultsWRS did not correlate with religion, religiosity, race, or gender, but did correlate with DA (r = 0.23, p = 0.0006). WRS was also associated with younger age (p = 0.01) and fewer years out of training (p = 0.0286), higher scores on LOC Chance (r = 0.18, p = 0.007), higher scores on Powerful Other (r = 0.30, p < 0.0001), and lower scores on LOC Internality (r = − 0.30, p < 0.0001).ConclusionResponses from younger and less experienced GOs, correlate with higher WRS scores especially if their LOC is weighted toward chance and powerful others. Responses of GO's with these two characteristics also correlate with higher DA scores and reports of difficulty talking about death.

► Increased internal locus of control correlates with decreased work related stress.
► Work related stress correlated with personal death anxiety.
► Religiosity, race and gender do not correlate with work related stress.