Background |
Hans Selye introduced the concept of stress in 1936, describing it as the body's nonspecific response to any demand. Over time, stress has evolved from a personal issue to a global workplace concern. The World Health Organisation has declared workplace stress the health epidemic of the 21st century. Stress impacts all demographics, and it is estimated that work-related stress affects one-third of the global workforce, contributing to various diseases.
In the medical and dental sectors, professionals regularly face emotional and physical distress from patients. Dentists experience numerous stressors, including clinical work, emotional exhaustion, and dealing with anxious patients, which often leads to burnout. Medical officers, on the other hand, confront similar stressors, including high emotional demands, patient outcomes, and rapidly evolving medical knowledge. This can result in mental disorders, substance abuse, and even suicide.
Bhutan, known for its Gross National Happiness philosophy, has a population of around 720,000 but only 279 doctors and 75 dentists work in public hospitals. Health services are delivered through a three-tier system, but the country's healthcare workforce is critically understaffed. Bhutan's doctor-to-population ratio is 1 per 5,000, far below the WHO recommendation of 1 per 1,000. Despite a focus on happiness, Bhutan ranked 97th in the World Happiness Report of 2023, reflecting potential dissatisfaction.
No previous research has examined stress and burnout among Bhutanese dentists and medical officers. This study aims to evaluate these issues, offering insights to policymakers for creating programs that can reduce workplace stress and burnout in the healthcare sector. |