MethodsCross-sectional study, including 54 participants (16 medical staff and 38 paramedics) working in an anesthesia department. Data collection was performed using a form comprising: socio-demographic characteristics, Karasek questionnaire for the assessment of occupational stress and Hamilton scale for measuring anxiety.
ResultsMean number of years of work 16.2. Psychiatric history reported in 13%.
Factors considered as generators of stress: important requirements 74.1%, fear of medical error 44.4%, low number of the staff 68.5% and harmful environment 72.2%.
Karasek questionnaire:mean scale of decision latitude 69 points, psychological demands 23.9 and social support 19.6.
42.6% were 'active”, 40.7% were in 'high job strain”, 13% estimated 'passive” and 3.7% were in 'low job strain”. 38.9% were in 'isostrain” situation.
The mean Hamilton scale 17.7 points, psychic anxiety 9 and somatic anxiety 8.7.
Anxiety was mild in 61.1% of cases, moderate 16.7% and severe 22.2%.
Hamilton scale was positively correlated to: age (p=0.019), number of years of work (p=0.003) and psychiatric follow-up care (p=0.022).
ConclusionAnesthesia is a specialty in which the practitioner is often confronted by stressful situations, leading to a state of stress and emotional exhaustion. If this situation is poorly managed, it can cause a burnout. Hence, a better understanding of these stressful situations is a priority.