The influence of lifestyle of obstetrics and gynecology female residents on gynecological and obstetrical outcomes in Saudi Arabia

Nourah Hassan Al Qahtani; Aseel Ali Alomireeni; Eman Ali Shaker Hasan Abdulla; Zainab Ali Shaker Hasan Abdulla; Nebras Abdulwahab Alshammari; Shahad Mohamed Leheidan; Danah Meshal Aljehani; Kholoud Abdullah Al Hamdan; Salsabeel Salman Alwabari

doi:10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20251216

Authors

Nourah Hassan Al Qahtani Department of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
Aseel Ali Alomireeni Department of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Eman Ali Shaker Hasan Abdulla Department of Medicine, Mansoura university, Mansoura, Egypt
Zainab Ali Shaker Hasan Abdulla Department of Medicine, Mansoura university, Mansoura, Egypt
Nebras Abdulwahab Alshammari Department of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Shahad Mohamed Leheidan Department of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Danah Meshal Aljehani Department of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Kholoud Abdullah Al Hamdan Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Salsabeel Salman Alwabari Maternity and Children Hospital of Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20251216

Keywords:

OB/GYN residency, Female physicians, Work-life balance, Pregnancy outcomes, Psychological stress, Reproductive health

Abstract

Background: Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/residency is characterized by long working hours, high clinical demands, and significant psychological stress. These factors may adversely affect the lifestyle and reproductive health of female residents. The aim of the study was to investigates the impact of OB/GYN residency on physical well-being, mental health, and gynecological and obstetric outcomes compared to women from the general population.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and August 2024 using a culturally adapted, pilot-tested online questionnaire distributed to Saudi married women with children. Participants included 119 OB/GYN female residents and 91 age-matched controls. Data collected included demographic information, lifestyle characteristics, work-related stress indicators, menstrual and reproductive history, and obstetric outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25, with Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests applied for group comparisons (p<0.05).

Results: OB/GYN residents reported significantly higher rates of sleep disturbances (72.3% vs. 29.7%), concentration difficulties (71.4% verses 45.1%), and perceived work-related stress (>8/10: 44.5% verses 5.5%) compared to controls (p<0.001). They also reported significantly less sleep (<6 hours: 60% verses 30.8%). Despite similar BMI, dietary habits, and exercise routines between groups, pregnancy complications were more frequent among residents (51.3% verss 35.2%, p=0.02), and they had significantly lower pregnancy rates (p=0.0001). No significant differences were found in abortion rates, cesarean deliveries, or labor augmentation.

Conclusions: OB/GYN residency is associated with increased psychological and lifestyle stressors that may negatively impact reproductive health. Although residents reported comparable happiness levels, their higher stress, reduced sleep, and lower pregnancy rates with increased complications underscore the need for supportive policies to enhance well-being. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to mitigate stress and improve health outcomes among female medical residents.

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