Abdul Rafa, Ainin Tasneem and Zakaria, Rozanizam and Mohd Yasin, Mohd Azhar and Alias, Siti Afifah and Saemar, Roslan and Hashim, Aini Hayati and Saad, Siti Syazana and Azim, Nur Syamimi (2025) Psychological distress, coping strategies, and quality of life among house officers in East Coast Malaysia hospitals. Malaysian journal of Psychiatry, 34 (1). pp. 36-44. ISSN 2590-1911
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Abstract
Background: Housemanship is a critical transition for medical graduates, often marked by psychological distress due to high workloads, long hours, workplace stress, and career uncertainty. This study explores the prevalence, determinants, and impact of psychological distress, coping strategies, and quality of life (QoL) among house officers in East Coast Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among house officers in government and university hospitals. Standardized self-administered questionnaires were used: the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Brief COPE inventory, and World Health Organization QoL Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Other variables included sleep duration, thoughts of quitting, posttraining plans, and perceived stressors. Multiple logistic regression identified predictors of psychological distress. Results: Psychological distress was prevalent, with 49.1% experiencing moderate-to-severe levels. Perceived stressors included long working hours (77.0%), workload (76.4%), and workplace bullying (40.6%). Short sleep duration (<7 h) and thoughts of quitting were significantly associated with distress. Financial concern (odds ratio [OR] = 7.13), health concern (OR = 3.24), and procedural-related stress (OR = 5.23) were significant contributors to stress. Coping strategies varied, with approach coping methods, including acceptance and positive reframing, being more effective in reducing distress. Psychological distress negatively impacted QoL, particularly in the psychological and social domains. Conclusion: Psychological distress among house officers is primarily driven by workplace stressors rather than personal factors. Addressing workload, financial concerns, and career uncertainty is essential to support house officers’ well-being and ensure a sustainable healthcare system.
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | distress, burnout, health care workers, house officers, medical doctors |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Medicine > Department of Psychiatry |
| Depositing User: | Dr Rozanizam Zakaria |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Aug 2025 09:04 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Aug 2025 09:04 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122876 |
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