The Impact of Working Conditions in the Public Health Sector on the Mental Health of Young Doctors in Tunisia
1
Occupational Medicine Department, Faculty Of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
2
Faculty Of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Young doctors in Tunisia are exposed to demanding working conditions that may adversely affect their mental health. Recent events have brought increased attention to burnout, anxiety, and depression within this population. This study aimed to assess the impact of working conditions and health policies on the mental health of young Tunisian doctors.
METHODS:
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2023 in four major Tunisian university hospitals. A total of 385 interns and residents participated. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, satisfaction with working conditions, burnout assessment using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and anxiety and depressive symptoms assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
RESULTS:
Most participants were aged 25–29 years (82.6%), 73% were women, and 83.1% were residents. High levels of dissatisfaction were reported regarding remuneration (82%), rest periods and days off (73%), and overall working conditions (78%). The mean emotional exhaustion score was 31.88 (SD = 10.2), indicating a high level of burnout. Mean depersonalization and personal accomplishment scores were 10.18 (SD = 6.3) and 23.84 (SD = 8.7), respectively. The mean anxiety score was 8.78 (SD = 4.2), and the mean depression score was 7.77 (SD = 3.9), reflecting moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Poor working conditions and work–life imbalance were significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Young doctors in Tunisia experience high levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression, closely linked to unfavorable working conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for structural and policy reforms within the Tunisian healthcare system, including improved working conditions, organizational support, and targeted mental health interventions. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess long-term consequences on physicians’ well-being and career trajectories.
Young doctors in Tunisia are exposed to demanding working conditions that may adversely affect their mental health. Recent events have brought increased attention to burnout, anxiety, and depression within this population. This study aimed to assess the impact of working conditions and health policies on the mental health of young Tunisian doctors.
METHODS:
A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2023 in four major Tunisian university hospitals. A total of 385 interns and residents participated. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, satisfaction with working conditions, burnout assessment using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and anxiety and depressive symptoms assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
RESULTS:
Most participants were aged 25–29 years (82.6%), 73% were women, and 83.1% were residents. High levels of dissatisfaction were reported regarding remuneration (82%), rest periods and days off (73%), and overall working conditions (78%). The mean emotional exhaustion score was 31.88 (SD = 10.2), indicating a high level of burnout. Mean depersonalization and personal accomplishment scores were 10.18 (SD = 6.3) and 23.84 (SD = 8.7), respectively. The mean anxiety score was 8.78 (SD = 4.2), and the mean depression score was 7.77 (SD = 3.9), reflecting moderate anxiety and depressive symptoms. Poor working conditions and work–life imbalance were significantly associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS:
Young doctors in Tunisia experience high levels of burnout, anxiety, and depression, closely linked to unfavorable working conditions. These findings underscore the urgent need for structural and policy reforms within the Tunisian healthcare system, including improved working conditions, organizational support, and targeted mental health interventions. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess long-term consequences on physicians’ well-being and career trajectories.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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