Objective: To explore factors associated with the psychological well-being of junior doctors in Australia.
Design: Qualitative study using semistructured interviews.
Setting: Three teaching hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Participants: Fifteen junior medical officers (postgraduate year 2 doctors) employed across three hospitals in Queensland participated in the study.
Main outcome measures: Fifteen de-identified interviews were analysed. Four key themes emerged-workplace issues impacting on health and well-being; experiences of bullying and harassment; strategies to improve health and well-being; and barriers to seeking healthcare.
Conclusion: Underlying system and cultural factors affect the health of junior doctors. Self-stigma particularly affects junior doctors and impacts on their healthcare seeking behaviours.
Keywords: medical education & training; mental health; qualitative research.
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