[01] Al Mazrouei A. M., Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [02] Al Faisal W., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [03] Hussein H., Health Affairs Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [04] El Sawaf E., Health Centers Department, Primary Health Care Services Sector, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, UAE. [05] Wasfy A., Research and Statistics department, Ministry of Health, Dubai, UAE.

Background: The health sector as a whole and health professionals as a group are at higher than average risk of suffering from conditions related to stress. The national health services is variously reported as being the most, or one of the most, stressful industries to workers Objectives: to study the stress level among physicians working in public health care facilities in Dubai. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was utilized in 2011 at the three main hospitals affiliated to Dubai Health Authority in Dubai. The sample size was 353 physicians with 64.2% response rate. Self-administered questionnaire was used. Results: The mean total stress score was 47.2. The mean stress factors’ scores were as follow: overload disruption to home life (10.7± 4.8), feeling poorly managed and resource (8.48 ± 4.00), dealing with blame and anger from patients and relatives (3.9 ± 2.1), dealing with change in practice (4.16 ± 2.02), encountering difficulties in relationships with staff/colleagues (2.17 ± 1.8), dealing with patients’ suffering (3.39 ±1.69) and having managerial responsibilities (3.8 ± 2.23). Mean total stress score was higher among age group 40-50 years (48.9 ± 16.8), followed by age group of ≤ 40 years old (47.9 ±18.7) and age group of ≥ 50 years old (41.7 ± 15.4). Regarding gender, females scored higher mean total stress than males (49.5 ± 16.3 and 45.4 ± 18.5 respectively). As regard to nationality, Emarati national physicians scored higher mean total stress score than non Emarati national physicians with statistically significant difference (52.5 ± 14.1 and 45.7 ± 18.3 respectively). Conclusion: Stress among physician is associated with socio demographic risk factors. Identifying stress generating sources among physicians and filling gaps accordingly can be achieved through developing stress management comprehensive technical and administrative program at the work place.

Determinants of Stress, Physicians, Healthcare Professionals, Dubai

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