The Gender Equation: Work-life Balance and Burnout in Medical Residency
Ritvik Gupta, Nishant GoyalAbstract
Background:
Work-life balance (WLB) and burnout are critical issues during medical residency, with gender-based differences and outcomes. This study aimed to examine gender differences in WLB and burnout among resident doctors.
Materials and Methods:
The investigation was conducted through an online survey using a Google form shared among resident doctors, both male and female, across India’s states. The survey included a semi-structured questionnaire, the WLB Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results:
The findings from the semi-structured questionnaire revealed that medical residents of both genders experienced work stress; however, most employed effective coping mechanisms and had no regrets about joining the medical profession. Further, no significant gender differences were found on any of the three subscales of WLB, suggesting that both male and female residents perceive WLB challenges and benefits in similar ways. However, female residents exhibited significantly more emotional exhaustion, whereas male residents reported significantly higher levels of depersonalization. No significant difference on personal achievement.
Conclusion:
While WLB challenges affect all resident doctors, female doctors are particularly vulnerable to a high level of burnout. These findings underscore the persistent influence of gender norms in shaping residency experiences and highlight the need for supportive policies to address gendered disparities in healthcare settings.