Self-Perceived Mental Health and Perceived Discrimination in Family Physicians and Residents: A Comparative Study Between Men and Women

Introduction: The present study aims to examine sex differences in demographic variables, professio-nal activities and adversities, self-reported mental health problems, and perceived discrimination in a sample of family doctors and family medicine residents in Mexico. Methods: From a larger sample of medical specialists, an analytic, cross-sectional study was conducted with 566 participants, including 317 (56%) family medicine residents and 249 (44%) family doctors in Mexico through an online survey. Demographic features, professional activities and adversities, mental health, and perceived discrimination were examined. Descriptive and comparative analyses were per-formed. Cramer's V for chi-square tests and Hedge's g for t test were conducted to determine effect sizes. Results: Both sexes displayed similar percentages of professional adversities (such as attending patients with suicidal behavior or who died not by suicide under their care), and a higher number of women reported seeking specialized support to cope with these deaths (Fisher = 0.04). Men perceived greater discrimination (P = .01), worked more hours per day (P < .001) and were more verbally assaulted (P = .04), whereas women reported mental health problems more frequently (P< .001) par-ticularly depression, anxiety, burnout and sleeping problems. Women also reported worse health status (P < .001) when compared with men. Conclusion: Family medicine specialists constitute a vulnerable group for mental health problems and perceived discrimination. Particular attention should be paid to how men and women cope with professio-nal adversities to determine whether additional support is required. Interventions should encourage self -care and promote the well-being of health personnel. ( J Am Board Fam Med 2022;35:912-920.)