Stress among general practitioners of Kwa-Dukuza, Kwa-Zulu Natal

BACKGROUND: Stress and burnout are prevalent among the caring professionals, including doctors and nurses. The work-related stress rate among the general working population is 18% whilst among doctors it is around 28%. Stress in general practitioners (GPs) can result in multiple negative consequences. Detecting stress early may have positive outcomes for doctors, their families and the people they care for at their practice. METHOD: A cross-sectional, descriptive study using a self-administered, standardised questionnaire (12-item General Health Questionnaire [GHC]) was performed on the 30 general practitioners in Kwa-Dukuza. Confidentiality and anonymity were maintained. RESULTS: 26 of the 30 GPs (87%) responded to the survey. 10 GPs (38%) were stressed as per the GHQ, six of whom were severely stressed. 22 reported that they felt stressed at work (subjectively). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that stress among Kwa-Dukuza GPs is slightly higher (38%) than found in other studies that indicate a prevalence of 28% among doctors.