BIROn - Birkbeck Institutional Research Online

    Working conditions, psychological distress and suicidal ideation: cross-sectional survey study of UK junior doctors

    Teoh, Kevin and Dunning, A. and Taylor, A. and Gopfert, A. and Chew-Graham, C. and Spiers, Johanna and Appleby, L. and Van Hove, M. and Buszewicz, M. and Riley, R. (2024) Working conditions, psychological distress and suicidal ideation: cross-sectional survey study of UK junior doctors. BJPsych Open 10 (1), ISSN 2056-4724.

    [img]
    Preview
    Text
    2024. Working conditions of junior doctors psychological distress and suicidal ideation.pdf - Published Version of Record
    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

    Download (254kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    Background: Evidence attests a link between junior doctors’ working conditions and psychological distress. Despite increasing concerns around suicidality among junior doctors, little is known about its relationship to their working conditions. Aims: To (a) establish the prevalence of suicidal ideation among junior doctors in the National Health Service; (b) examine the relationships between perceived working conditions and suicidal ideation; and (c) explore whether psychological distress (e.g. symptoms of depression and anxiety) mediates these relationships. Method: Junior doctors were recruited between March 2020 and January 2021, for a cross-sectional online survey. We used the Health and Safety Executive's Management Standards Tool; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21; and Paykel Suicidality Scale to assess working conditions, psychological distress and suicidality, respectively. Results: Of the 424 participants, 50.2% reported suicidal ideation, including 6.1% who had made an attempt on their own life. Participants who identified as LGBTQ+ (odds ratio 2.18, 95% CI 1.15–4.12) or reported depression symptoms (odds ratio 1.10, 95% CI 1.07–1.14) were more likely to report suicidal ideation. No direct relationships were reported between working conditions (i.e. control, support, role clarity, strained relationships, demand and change) and suicidal ideation. However, depression symptoms mediated all six relationships. Conclusions: This sample of junior doctors reported alarming levels of suicidal ideation. There may be an indirect relationship between working conditions and suicidal ideation via depressive symptoms. Clearer research exploring the experience of suicidality in junior doctors is needed, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. Systematic interventions addressing working environment are needed to support junior doctors’ mental health.

    Metadata

    Item Type: Article
    School: Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Business and Law > Birkbeck Business School
    Depositing User: Kevin Teoh
    Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2024 17:26
    Last Modified: 06 Mar 2024 14:00
    URI: https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/53096

    Statistics

    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    21Downloads
    6 month trend
    172Hits

    Additional statistics are available via IRStats2.

    Archive Staff Only (login required)

    Edit/View Item Edit/View Item