A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO EXPLORE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WELLNESS: CURRENT CHALLENGES & GUT HEALTH
Purpose
This study assesses the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among healthcare providers and examines their association with stress levels, clinical practice environments, and quality of life in acute and outpatient care settings.
Background and significance
The well-being of healthcare providers is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Stress, burnout, and challenging clinical environments significantly affect mental, physical, and gut health. The gut-brain axis underscores the connection between gastrointestinal health and stress, with gut health issues potentially impacting well-being and job performance. Despite its importance, limited research has explored the prevalence and impact of gut health issues among healthcare providers.
Theoretical/Conceptual framework
Grounded in the Biopsychosocial Model, this study highlights the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors influencing health outcomes.
Method
A cross-sectional survey design invited 1500 healthcare providers from Cook County Health, targeting 102 respondents to achieve 80% power with an alpha of 0.05 and a medium effect size. Conducted from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, the survey assessed demographics, gut health, stress levels, clinical environment factors, and quality of life using validated tools (DASS-21 & DQLQ). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Results
This study aims to uncover significant associations between stress, gut health, and workplace factors, providing actionable insights for interventions. Results will be available in February 2025.
Conclusions
Conclusion: Understanding the relationship between gut health and well-being can inform targeted interventions to improve healthcare providers' physical and mental health, foster resilience, and enhance patient care outcomes.
A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO EXPLORE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WELLNESS: CURRENT CHALLENGES & GUT HEALTH
