FATIGUE SEVERITY SCALE & QUALITY OF LIFE IN MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: This multifaceted occupational milieu precipitates a cascade of physiological and psychological stressors, culminating in debilitating fatigue—a pervasive syndrome transcending conventional exhaustion to encompass neuropsychological, affective, and behavioral deterioration. The exponential escalation of healthcare-associated burnout phenomena underscores the imperative for systematic evaluation of fatigue's multidimensional impact on practitioner well-being and clinical performance. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving healthcare worker wellbeing.

Methodology: A cross-sectional observational design encompassed 100 medical professionals across diverse specialties. Participants completed the validated Fatigue Severity Scale and Quality of Life questionnaire. Chi-square analysis assessed fatigue-quality of life correlations.

Results:  The study population comprised 54% females and 46% males, with 70% aged 21-30 years. Fatigue was present in 55% of participants, while 45% reported no fatigue symptoms. Quality of life distribution showed 78% with normal QOL, 17% with high QOL, and 5% with low QOL. Moderate associations were found between fatigue and quality of life (r=-0.048, p>0.05), age and fatigue (χ²=102.113, p<0.001). Notably, Quality of life is lower among the participants with severe fatigue.

Conclusion: Nearly half of medical professional’s experience fatigue, with younger practitioners being disproportionately affected. The significant association between fatigue and quality of life highlights the need for targeted workplace interventions and support systems, particularly for early-career medical professionals.