Expectations and Challenges of Generation Y Female Doctors: Findings from a Tertiary Teaching Hospital, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is increasing number of women joining the medical profession and the expectations and challenges they face are unique to their profession and role as homemakers. Notable are the “Generation Y” female doctors, whose peculiar characteristics distinguished them.
Objectives - This study aimed to identify the expectations and challenges faced by female millennial doctors, brought about by misunderstanding of their peculiar needs as a generation.
Methods: This was a descriptive, cross sectional study, involving 108 participants selected by cluster sampling technique. A pre–tested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data that was analyzed using Epi-info statistical software; version 3.4.5. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: They had a mean age of 30.54 ± 3.96 years and 46 (42.6%) of them were aged 26-30 years. Majority 75(69.4%) of the respondents were House Officers, Medical Officers and Juniour Registrars. Ninety eight (90.7%) of them had less than 120 months working experience. Senior Registrars and Consultants totaled 33 (30.6%), while those with work experience greater than 120 months were 10 (9.3%). Most; 60 (55.6%) of them had fulfilled work expectations, while 48 (44.4%) did not.
There were statistically significant relationship (p= 0.0208) between the cadres of the Doctors and the negative effect of work on the family and between long working hours and its negative effects on the family; (p=0.0500). More; 67 (89.3%) Juniour doctors had negative work related effects on their family p=0.0170.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated that some work related challenges impact negatively on the family. This includes general quality of family life including happiness and family health.Therefore, the Government and relevant institutions at all levels should revise policies that promote work family balance for the female worker. A culture of interactions and mentorship between the older and younger doctors; particularly female doctors should also be encouraged.