DO DOCTORS DIE EARLIER THAN GENERAL POPULATION?

CLINICAL REVIEW

Doctors live highly stressful lives. Many times, we do hear news of young doctors passing away too soon. It is highly paradoxical that advocates of a healthy life themselves face untimely demise.
Researchers have been trying to understand the trends, causes, and solutions for this hardship in the medical fraternity.

TRENDS
Several studies have been performed to evaluate the reasons for poor health and reduced life expectancy in doctors.

A study found that 27% of the doctors died due to heart disease, 25% of cancer, 2% of infection, and 1% by suicide.

Another South Asian study found that compared to the average age of 74.9 years of the general population, the average age of doctors is 61.75 years.

The Indian Medical Association Pune found that the average lifespan of doctors is ten years less than the general population.

CAUSES OF SHORTER LIFE EXPECTANCY OF DOCTORS
The contributors to a shorter life expectancy of doctors are following:

INACTIVE LIFESTYLE:
Increased hours of sitting jobs and reduced activity have resulted in the increased risk of death in doctors. Prolonged inactivity increases the risk of early death among people, including doctors. A study found a 12 percent higher mortality rate in people who remain inactive for more than 11 hours per day compared to those who sat for less than 4 hours.

OCCUPATIONAL STRESS:
There is significant occupational stress among doctors, especially those working in the private sector. Reduced work-life balance, the pressure of building the patient base, being available to patients all the time, and controlling emotions contribute to occupational stress.

OBESITY:
A study showed that 40% of the doctors, which participated in the study, were overweight while 23% were obese. Obesity increases the risk of several chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, resulting in shorter life expectancy.

UNCOMFORTABLE GETTING TREATMENT FORM OTHER DOCTORS:
Several doctors feel uncomfortable while getting treatment from their fellow physicians. Known as VIP syndrome, it keeps the doctor away from regular medical check-ups and timely treatment due to issues such as confidentiality and reservations related to the efficacy of the treatment.

LACK OF SLEEP:
Doctors face the issue of sleep deprivation Because their profession demands anytime availability. It disturbs their biological cycle, which may result in cardiovascular diseases and affects the immune system. Further, a study found that 41% of the doctors fell asleep while returning home after the night shift. Sleep deprivation also reduces medical performance and affects mood and confidence. They may also have relationship difficulties and depression.

IMPROPER DIET REGIMENS:
Doctors have improper dietary habits, especially when it comes to the time of eating. The eating hours of the doctors are not the same each day due to increased work pressure, work ethics, and professionalism that negatively affects their digestive health. It reduces their performance, lowers concentration, and they feel tired all the time.

INCREASED WORKING HOURS:
Excessive working hours negatively affect the overall quality of life of the doctors. It may be because of peer pressure, work-related pressure, or the inherent characteristic of the profession for availability to the patients all the time.

THERAPY-SPECIFIC ISSUES:
Doctors of particular therapy areas are at increased risk of health-related issues compared to other therapeutic areas. Radiologists are at increased risk of cancer due to prolonged exposure to radiation. A study found that obstetrics and gynaecology doctors have relatively longer life expectancy while Pediatricians and psychiatrists risk dying early.

SOCIAL ISOLATION:
Doctors who have solo practice are believed to suffer from mental health issues compared to those who work in organisational culture. A study found that 71% of the doctors who attempted suicide were in solo practice compared to 33% of doctors not in solo practice.

INCREASED SUICIDAL RATES:
The suicidal rate among physicians is higher than in the general population. Several factors contributing include poor work-life balance, increased stress, reluctance to receive appropriate treatment, and issues in relationships.

SOLUTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Some of the possible solutions for improving the life expectancy of doctors are:

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE:
The doctors should maintain a healthy lifestyle. They should take time to indulge in activities that improve physical health. It will help reduce the risk of several chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

IMPLEMENTING RELAXATION TECHNIQUES:
Doctors are under tremendous occupational pressure resulting in stress and depression. It may also lead to suicidal ideation. Thus, doctors must practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation.

SOUND SLEEP:
A appropriate work-life balance is important to improve overall health. Doctors should take a sound sleep to improve their efficiency and mental health.

APPROPRIATE DIETARY HABITS:
Physicians should change their dietary habits. Eating a healthy diet at an appropriate time improves overall health, including emotional and physical health.

REGULAR HEALTH CHECK-UPS:
Doctors must undergo regular health check-ups for early diagnosis of any medical condition. Further, they should not be hesitant to take appropriate treatment for mental health disorders.

This information is provided to you by:

Dr. Maqsood Ali
MBBS, MRCGP, DTCD, FCCP
Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians,
Member of the American College of Physicians

REFERENCES

Pandey SK, Sharma V. Doctor, heal thyself: Addressing the shorter life expectancy of doctors in India. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2019;67(7):1248-1250. doi:10.4103/ijo.IJO_656_19

Do doctors die young, and why?. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/do-doctors-die-young-and-why/article21381601.ec

Chen W. Dietary health of medical workers: who’s taking care of it?. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2021;10(2):232-234. doi:10.21037/hbsn-2021-9

Lemaire JB, Wallace JE, Dinsmore K, Roberts D. Food for thought: an exploratory study of how physicians experience poor workplace nutrition. Nutr J. 2011;10(1):18. Published 2011 Feb 18. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-10-18