Abstract

Background: Physicians’ well-being is crucial for recruitment and retention in the medical profession. This study aims to identify the prevalence of chronic diseases and its associated risk factors among residents in Saudi residency programs.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with more than 370 participants was conducted between February 2021 and January 2022. Data were collected through an English-language self-administered online questionnaire.
Results: The most frequently reported chronic health problems were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and gastrointestinal diseases, primarily associated with residency-related stress and workload. The stress and isolation that residents experience may cause health and emotional disturbances. Less than half of the participating residents reported a family history of chronic disease.
Conclusion: This study reveals the essential need for healthcare providers to assess their struggles, which affect them directly and impact patients indirectly, and seek a suitable solution for those challenges.

Key words: Chronic diseases; prevalence; risk factors; medical residents; Saudi residency programs