Intra- and extra-work psychosocial factors in physicians performing mandatory social service in Nariño, Colombia.

Abstract

Introduction: Psychosocial risk among mandatory social service physicians is a relevant concern due to work demands and adverse conditions.

Objectives: To identify intra- and extra-work psychosocial factors affecting physicians who completed their mandatory social service in different regions of the department of Nariño, Colombia, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study based on primary data sources. A total of 104 mandatory social service physicians from Nariño, southwestern Colombia, were surveyed using the Intra- and Extra-Work Psychosocial Risk Questionnaires from the psychosocial risk batery developed by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for each variable of interest. Total risk scores, as well as intra- and extra-work risk dimensions, were analyzed and compared with previous studies.

Results: Overall, 79.8% of physicians were classified as being at very high psychosocial risk, while 78.8% were at very high risk for intra-work factors, with the most affected dimensions being "leadership," "job demands," and "rewards". Additionally, 39.4% were at very high risk for extra-work factors, with "influence of the extra-work environment on work" being the most affected dimension. The "family relationships" dimension showed a low risk in 49% of participants.

Conclusions: The high prevalence of psychosocial risk, especially in emotional demands and leadership, highlights the urgent need for implementation of intervention strategies within an epidemiological surveillance system. It is recommended to prioritize actions aimed at mitigating the impact of stress on these professionals, considering their essential role in health care.