High Occupational Stress and Low Career Satisfaction of Korean Surgeons

High Occupational Stress and Low Career Satisfaction of Korean Surgeons

Surgery is a demanding and stressful field in Korea. Occupational stress can adverselyaffect the quality of care, decrease job satisfaction, and potentially increase medical errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and career satisfaction ofKorean surgeons. We have conducted an electronic survey of 621 Korean surgeons for theoccupational stress. Sixty-five questions were used to assess practical and personalcharacteristics and occupational stress using the Korean occupational stress scale (KOSS). The mean KOSS score was 49.31, which was higher than the average of Koreanoccupational stress (45.86) or that of other specialized professions (46.03). Young age,female gender, long working hours, and frequent night duties were significantly related tothe higher KOSS score. Having spouse, having hobby and regular exercise decreased theKOSS score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that long working hours and regularexercise were the independent factors associated with the KOSS score. Less than 50% ofsurgeons answered that they would become a surgeon again. Most surgeons (82.5%) didnot want to recommend their child follow their career. Korean Surgeons have highoccupational stress and low level of career satisfaction.

Surgery is a demanding and stressful field in Korea. Occupational stress can adverselyaffect the quality of care, decrease job satisfaction, and potentially increase medical errors. The aim of this study was to investigate the occupational stress and career satisfaction ofKorean surgeons. We have conducted an electronic survey of 621 Korean surgeons for theoccupational stress. Sixty-five questions were used to assess practical and personalcharacteristics and occupational stress using the Korean occupational stress scale (KOSS). The mean KOSS score was 49.31, which was higher than the average of Koreanoccupational stress (45.86) or that of other specialized professions (46.03). Young age,female gender, long working hours, and frequent night duties were significantly related tothe higher KOSS score. Having spouse, having hobby and regular exercise decreased theKOSS score. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that long working hours and regularexercise were the independent factors associated with the KOSS score. Less than 50% ofsurgeons answered that they would become a surgeon again. Most surgeons (82.5%) didnot want to recommend their child follow their career. Korean Surgeons have highoccupational stress and low level of career satisfaction.