Relationship Between Critically Longer Working Hours, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Japan

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan has been promoting physicians’ working style reforms since 2019. This study aimed to update the relationship between working hours, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among obstetricians and gynecologists, based on the physicians’ working style reforms. Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among obstetricians and gynecologists, and valid responses were obtained from 1164 physicians. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant associations. Results: Of the respondents, 49.8% were female, and most physicians were aged 30–39 (32.1%). Precisely, 57.4% worked in public hospitals, and 47.9% worked in urban areas. Physicians working 40 ≤ x < 60 h per week accounted for the largest proportion of physicians. Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation accounted for 16.4% and 3.6% of participants, respectively. The following factors were significantly associated with depressive symptoms as a dependent variable: other occupation, having two or three children, working 60–80 h or >100 h per week, and working in rural areas. None of these variables was significantly associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The physicians’ working style reforms have reduced the number of working hours for obstetricians and gynecologists. However, rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation have not improved.