Stress among Indian Doctors: A Gender Variation

Objective: Variations in work related stress and physical activity levels have been seen with a emphasis on sex difference. This cross-sectional study was designed to report the gender difference in stress dynamics and physical activity, and propose a framework for finding out the source causing these differences and associated lifestyle risk factors for cardio-metabolic disorders. Design: A cross-sectional study was designed which analysed 113 doctors (58 females and 55 males) for perceived and measured stress using validated questionnaires and methods. Long term time domain index of Heart Rate Variability was used to measure stress. Physical activity levels were also measured along with history questionnaire focusing on risk factors of lifestyle disorders. Results: The perceived stress measured by PSS-14, MSP-9 and VAS(stress) showed higher recorded values in female doctors (45.50±4.08, 36.21±7.52, 6.07±2.26) as compared to male doctors (44.00±5.58, 34.40±6.81, 5.47±2.25), respectively. The measured stress showed a significant comparison between both the genders putting males (44.79±10.69) under more stress than females (50.76±11.69) (p<0.05). The energy expenditure was higher in female doctors (2171.09±1703.66) than male doctors (1981.21±1440.17). Conclusion: Female doctors had high perceived stress levels with high levels of physical activity whereas male counterparts had high measured stress with low measured physical activity levels.