The health service relies on doctors, and they are the patients’ first point of contact for any health problems. With the growing health problems in society, doctors are overwhelmed by the increased patient demands and expectations from the health system. Doctors often work in varied working patterns, and they are at risk of burnout, depression, anxiety and work-related stress affecting their health. Indeed, it has been suggested that doctors can take to excessive drinking, binge eating and have a poor sleep quality as a consequence. In comparison, research in other countries has alluded to an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases with their doctors. It is essential to understand the effects of a doctor’s occupation on their ability to practice healthy lifestyles behaviours (such as diet, physical activity, sleep) and also the consequences to their health. The health system requires a healthy workforce to maintain the system and caring for patients, yet doctors’ health and wellbeing is often neglected.
The proposed research aims to look at the existing UK Biobank data, focusing on the participants who are doctors to determine how it affects their diet, lifestyle habits (such as levels of physical activity, sleep, smoking and alcohol), overall health status and risks of health problems (such as hypertension, BMI, cholesterol and diabetes). Comparisons will also be made to UK Biobank cohort that has identified as nurses and those non-healthcare professions who have reported to work rotating/night shift pattern.