Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Precariousness of medical work, with loss of autonomy and devaluation, in addition to unstable and non-guaranteed employment bonds, has caused health problems in professionals, hampering the assistance provided. Research shows a high prevalence of stress, burnout, depression, and suicide among physicians. This study investigated aspects of mental health in physicians from the state of Paraná, Brazil. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate indicators of stress, burnout, and work engagement measured by inventories specifically designed for each one: Stress Symptoms Inventory, Burnout Syndrome Inventory, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, respectively. METHODS: The professionals answered the questionnaires remotely, after accepting the invitation for the study and signing the consent form. RESULTS: A total of 1,201 physicians answered the questionnaires, with mean age of 37 years; 53.9% of participants were women; 63.5% graduated in Paraná. Of the total number of participants, 97.5% and 93.4% presented psychological and physical symptoms of stress, respectively. According to the Inventário da Síndrome de Burnout, the prevalence of diagnosis of burnout was estimated at 59.4%. As for work engagement, 40% of participants showed very high levels in the overall score of the construct. CONCLUSIONS: Most physicians showed signs of stress; burnout rates were high; negative organizational conditions prevailed in the work environment; work engagement was frequent.