Assessing the Mental Health of Doctors in Private Hospitals Using the General Health Questionnaire: A Survey Study in a Tier-1 City
Dr Ramesh Kumar ( Deputy Director, Govt Sub District Hospital, Bheem, Rajsamand Rajasthan)
Year: 2024, Volume: 1, Issue: 3, Pages: 179-187, Date of Publication: 30 November 2024;
Abstract: Doctors working in private hospitals often face significant occupational stress due to demanding work environments, long working hours, and job insecurity. The high levels of stress can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and social dysfunction. This study aimed to assess the mental health status of doctors working in private hospitals in a Tier 1 city using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 28). The GHQ 28 is a well established tool that screens for psychological distress across four domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. The study surveyed 54 doctors from various specialties and found that 68% of participants experienced psychological distress. Anxiety and insomnia were the most affected do mains, with 82% of doctors reporting high stress levels. Job insecurity, which affected 61% of the participants, was identified as a major contributor to stress. The findings underscore the urgent need for regular mental health screenings, the implementation of supportive workplace policies, and the introduction of stress management interventions to improve the well being and resilience of healthcare professionals in private hospitals.
Keywords: General Health Questionnaire, doctors’ health, occupational stress, job insecurity, private hospital, mental well-being.