Aim: To assess levels of psychological distress and job satisfaction among New Zealand general practitioners.
Methods: A random sample of general practitioners (GPs) in the central region of the North Island were surveyed using a postal questionnaire. Job satisfaction and psychological distress (twelve-item General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12) were assessed and compared with personal, practice and workload characteristics. Qualitative statements about work conditions sources of stress and ill health were also collected.
Results: The response rate was 391/480 (81.5%). Job satisfaction scores were generally high. Rural GPs were less satisfied than urban practitioners and solo practitioners less satisfied than those in group practice. Work was perceived as affecting the physical health of 177 GPs (46%) and 220 (57%) often contemplated leaving general practice. 121 GPs (31.4%) scored >3 on the GHQ-12 showing high levels of psychological symptoms and 39 (9.9%) scored greater than eight, indicating significant psychological distress. Major causes of stress and lack of job satisfaction were: excessive paperwork, health reforms and bureaucratic interference, excessive hours and on-call work.
Conclusions: Overall, GPs were satisfied with their jobs. Levels of psychological symptoms were of concern, particularly in the 10% showing very high levels of psychological distress, and in rural and solo practitioners.