?Work-Life-Balance“ im Arztberuf – geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede in den Erwartungen von Medizinstudierenden

Background

Considering the growing demand of medical care in the future, the current shortage of physicians requires concepts to meet the challenges of changing expectations regarding working conditions.

Methods

In the Competence Centre of General Practice in Baden-Wuerttemberg, an online survey of medical students was conducted in order to evaluate gender-specific differences regarding the expectations about future working conditions in the medical profession. A questionnaire developed for that purpose contained several aspects, e.g.??work-life balance?? or??personal values??. Gender-specific differences were examined by means of the Mann-Whitney U test. Moreover a linear regression model with gender, age and number of semesters as independent variables was used.

Results

A total of 1,299 medical students participated in the survey. Flexible working hours were important for 57.1% of women and 50.4% of men. Compatibility of family and work was an important issue for 92.3% of women and 86.7% of men. However, the possibility of working part-time was important for 72.7% of women but only 22.2% of men. Besides gender, age and number of semesters also influenced the appraisal of??work-life balance?? and??personal values??.

Conclusions

This study reveals gender-specific differences in expectations regarding future work-life balance. To achieve sustainable physician care in the light of a growing proportion of female physicians, gender-specific organization of working time is important to ensure the compatibility of family and work.     

Spontanverhalten, sozialer Druck und pers?nlicher Lebensstil

Zusammenfassung Eine erfolgversprechende Beeinflussung des Gesundheitsverhaltens kann zwei Wege beschreiten. Sie kann sich am Modell der Massenkommunikation orientieren und «soziales Marketing» betreiben oder sie kann sich an bereits bestehende Gruppen, Organisationen oder Institutionen wenden und diese für die Ziele der Gesundheitsvorsorge zu gewinnen suchen. Letzterer Weg scheint die grösseren Erfolgschancen zu bieten, da die Gruppenbildung schon geleistet und eine Verhaltenskontrolle besser gewährleistet ist. Die Zielgruppen der Gesundheitsvorsorge können leichter bestimmt werden. Auch sind die Widerstände aus der Sozialstruktur, die Soziales Marketing überwinden muss, durch die Gruppenbildung und durch die Organisation bereits gebrochen. Eine Verringerung der Gefährdung durch «arbeitsbedingte Krankheiten» kann nur durch Einbeziehung der Betriebe erreicht werden.

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Influencing health behavior: Spontaneous action, social strains and individual way of life

Summary To interest people in health behavior there are two different ways. First of all the way using the methods of mass communication or as some call it: social marketing. But this raises the problems of defining the population that should be referred to and to overcome the resistances of social structure. So generally there are only few chances in succeeding.The other way would be that those people engaged in realizing preventive medicine would try to cooperate with existing groups, organizations or institutions. This seems to be far more successful. To reduce the number of arbeitsbedingte Krankheiten (sickness that mainly hut not only depends on working conditions) special opportunities are offered by industrial firms.

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Comportement spontané, pression sociale et style de vie personnel

Résumé Si l'on veut intéresser la société à la prévention, il y a deux possibilités. Il y a d'abord celle d'utiliser les méthodes de la communication de masse, ce que l'on appelle aussi le «social marketing». Mais ceci pose le problème de la définition de la population à laquelle on s'adresse et il faut tenir compte des résistances inhérentes à toute structure sociale. D'une manière générale, il y a peu de chances de réussir de cette façon.L'autre possibilité consiste en une coopération entre les responsables de la médecine préventive et des groupes, des institutions et des organisations existantes. Cette manière de faire a de meilleures chances de succès, notamment parce qu'il est alors plus aisé de définir les buts pertinents de l'action et que, si l'on passe par l'intermédiaire de groupes déjà constitués, les résistances seront moins grandes.Pour diminuer les «arbeitsbedingte Krankheiten» (maladies qui dépendent surtout mais pas uniquement des conditions de travail), des propositions, jusqu'ici peu utilisées, ont été faites par l'industrie elle-même.

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Grundsatzreferat der Tagung des Forum Davos 78: Grenzen der Medizin III: Prävention und ihre Möglichkeiten.     

Der Kinder- und Jugendgesundheitssurvey (KiGGS): Risiken und Ressourcen für die psychische Entwicklung von Kindern und Jugendlichen

Along with the salutogenetic approach in health sciences, the quest for factors exerting a protective effect on mental development and health has increasingly gained importance, complementing the study of risk factors. A total of 6,691 children and adolescents aged 11 to 17 years answered questionnaires on personal, social and family resources as part of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS). Children with low socioeconomic status (SES) more frequently show deficits in their personal, social and family resources. Similarly, in children with migration background a higher percentage with poorly developed personal and social protective factors is found. Older children report less family resources but more social resources than younger children; in comparison to boys, girls have more social but less personal resources at their disposal. Clear connections are observed between protective factors and health-related risk-taking behaviour. Deficits in personal and family resources are associated with an increased risk for smoking. Although an increased percentage of smoking and alcohol consuming children and adolescents is found to be associated with well-developed social resources, the risk for drug experiences is not increased. The results prove the necessity to build up protective factors as a preventative measure. Especially in children and adolescents with weak protective factors, an increased risk of mental health problems can be expected in the presence of stressful events.     

Gesundheitliche Risiken von Synephrin in Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz - Synephrin ist ein sympathomimetisches Phenylethylaminderivat aus Zitrusfrüchten. Der Pflanzeninhaltsstoff wird in Form von...     

Risiken und fraglicher Nutzen von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln mit isolierten Isoflavonen für Frauen in und nach der Menopause

Isolated isoflavones are frequently offered as dietary supplements for the alleviation of peri- and postmenopausal complaints. These mainly soy-based secondary plant compounds are marketed with the claim of having numerous beneficial effects such as protection against breast cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence for most of these health impacts. In addition, there is a controversial ongoing discussion about the safety of these products. After a long-term intake of high isoflavone doses, adverse effects on the breast tissue, the endometrium, and the thyroid, the last one especially under iodine-deficient conditions, cannot be excluded. Owing to their estrogenic effects, isoflavones may promote the growth of estrogen-sensitive malignant cells. The risk assessment of isoflavones is especially focused on peri- and postmenopausal women because they are the target group for dietary supplements based on isolated isoflavones and have, anyway, a higher risk for breast cancer. Since long-term treatment with isolated isoflavones, especially at high doses, is considered critical, we recommend that patients consume isoflavone-based supplements only after advice and under medical supervision.     

Gesundheit und Gesundheitsverhalten bei Beschäftigten an den Universitäten Freiburg und Karlsruhe

Background

Results of two employee surveys at Karlsruhe and Freiburg Universities (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany) were evaluated. The comparative approach offered the chance to compare work-related health and health behaviour due to individual and job factors. Another aim of the study was to ascertain the need for health promotion activities in the university setting.

Material and methods

An adapted version of the SALSA questionnaire, with additional questions in Freiburg about preventive health behaviour, was applied in both universities in full-time clerks and technical staff.

Results

Both collectives do not differ significantly in their reported (good) state of health. No greater differences in subjective health and health behaviour could be observed in the different professional groups. The need for future action in health promotion was seen differently in the Karlsruhe and Freiburg samples.

Conclusion

Despite the different response rates the results for Karlsruhe and Freiburg Universities are comparable in most aspects and show positive outcomes. Designating specific health promotion needs should permit the management in both universities to offer appropriate measures and initiate improvements.     

Einfluss von Naturräumen auf die Gesundheit – Evidenzlage und Konsequenzen für Wissenschaft und Praxis

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz - Naturräumen und insbesondere urbanen Grünräumen (Stadtgrün) und Gewässern (Stadtblau) wird seit Langem...     

Identifizierung von Antibiotika im urbanen Abwassersystem – Akkumulation an Sediment und Klärschlamm

Background

The constant input of antibiotics into the urban sewage system may lead to accumulations in sewage biosolids (sediment, sewage sludge). A possible input into the environment might be associated with an increasing risk for (multi-)resistance bacteria.

Objectives

The present study shows which of the most prescribed antibiotics accumulate in the urban sewage system.

Material and methods

Antibiotics in urban sewage sediment and sludge were analyzed by ultrasonic (USE) and solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Results

In urban sewage sediment, 9 of the 16 selected compounds were determined with concentrations up to 803 µg/kg dry weight for ciprofloxacin. In sewage sludge, 7 and 5 antibiotics were quantified in primary and digested sludge, respectively. High stability with an accumulation in all investigated sewage biosolids were found for cipro- and levofloxacin, doxycycline as well as azi- and roxithromycin.

Conclusions

The spectrum of sorbed antibiotics decreased during sewage sludge treatment. In digested sludge, only 5 of the 16 selected antibiotics were determined. Their possible environmental impact caused by high retention time in the sewage system might be associated with (multi-)resistant bacteria and has to be considered in further investigations.     

Gibt es einen Zusammenhang zwischen Gesundheit,Wohlbefinden und Facharztpräferenzen bei Medizinstudierenden?

Background

The fact that in some specializations (e.?g., general practitioner) and in some regions (mainly in the country side) there are not enough physicians to provide for the population means huge challenges for both German and Hungarian health care. By researching the specialization and work place preferences of medical students and by subjectively investigating their health state and behavior, we can gain important information about their motivation and other background factors.

Materials and methods

A total of 2935 students participated in the 2014 multicenter cross-sectional study. Students from two German and two Hungarian universities voluntarily completed the anonymous questionnaire. This article focuses on Germans (n?=?341) and Hungarians (n?=?1073) studying in Hungary and the medical students studying in Germany (n?=?1085).

Results

Evaluation of the motivational factors for the choice of specialization showed that the professional/scientific interest increases with higher quality of life. Furthermore, we have to emphasize that towards the end of studies the reasons work–life balance, better reconcilability with family (children, partner), and the wish to maintain the social and family relations play a bigger role in students’ motivation.

Conclusion

According to the results, students with active health promotion show more awareness towards their career when choosing their specialization. At the same time, we have to emphasize that the optimal balance between work and private life seems to be an increasingly important aspect in specialization decisions for Hungarian and German medical students. When taking measures to minimize the lack of physicians, it is important to take the motivation of future physicians into account to be able to achieve optimal medical provision. It also applies for the tendencies in specialties with emphasis on fields with shortages, such as general practitioners in rural regions in both Germany and Hungary.

     

Beeinflusst Health Literacy das Gesundheitsverhalten?

Background

The theoretical framework of health literacy (HL) explains what the main issues supporting empowerment and quality of life concerning the health of individuals are. “Macy—Join in and stay healthy”, a 3-year study funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, aims to promote health behavior of elderly people and children and teenagers and to improve the quality of life of elderly people. To achieve this aim, a HL program focusing on the issues of nutrition, body acceptance, and social participation was developed in a participatory manner. A total of 87 seniors and 92 children and teenagers took part in a 36-week intervention.

Objectives

The HL intervention was evaluated with regard to its ability to promote social participation, quality of life, body satisfaction, and nutrition of the target groups.

Methods

The study was conducted between 2011 and 2013. Outcome measures were assessed at three different times of measurement (t0, t1, t2) in 2013. The current results are based on a T0–T1 comparison. The data were analyzed in SPSS with t?test and Wilcoxon test.

Results

Both target groups improved their fruit and sugar intake as well as their drinking behavior (e.g., water, tea, juice, water). The consumption of vegetables did not increase. Body satisfaction of the young people rose and they were less interested in weight loss. Both target groups gave a positive review regarding the intervention.

Conclusion

The study showed that “Macy” improved health-related behavior and enhanced the quality of life. The high acceptance of “Macy” is mainly justified by the participative development of the HL intervention and by the intergenerational cooperation.

     

Moralischer Stress bei Medizinstudierenden und ärztlichen Berufseinsteigenden: Forschungsdesiderate im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie

Bundesgesundheitsblatt - Gesundheitsforschung - Gesundheitsschutz - Die COVID-19-Pandemie stellt Menschen, die in der medizinischen Versorgung arbeiten, vor besondere Herausforderungen. Ein Teil...