Stress perceived by houseman in a hospital in northern Malaysia

INTRODUCTION: Being a houseman in Malaysian hospitals can be very stressful. Stress can affect decision making to a great extent while addressing the needs of the patient in an emergency setting. This necessitated a study to find out the main sources of stress among housemen.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out among 55 housemen using a questionnaire on sources of stress. The data was analysed using SPSS version 17.
RESULTS: A total of 16 factors leading to stress were studied among the housemen. Poor work and social life balance, annoying non-clinical personnel and medico-legal threats were among the top causes of stress.
CONCLUSION: The factors leading to stress among housemen should be considered for effective working of the hospital and improving the workplace atmosphere for the housemen.