Kadir Küçük, Hanife Karataş, Selda Pelin Kartal
Turkish Journal of Dermatology - 2025;19(4):191-201
Aim: Depression, burnout, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms are common in physicians. This study aimed to examine the fear of contamination among dermatology residents compared to surgical residents and to highlight it as a workplace stress factor. Materials and Methods: The fear of contamination in dermatology residents was investigated and compared with that of surgical residents. Participants were recruited from two tertiary hospitals in Ankara. Fear of contamination was measured using the Padua Inventory-Washington State University Revision and Contamination Cognition Scale. Results: Female dermatology residents tended to score highly on the scales. They experienced contamination anxiety more frequently outside the workplace. The perception of not having training in contagious dermatological diseases and the tendency to research this topic are more common than previously thought. In regression analysis, carrying hand sanitizer, using it outside of the workplace, and experiencing similar levels of fear outside the workplace were risk factors for being in the high-scoring group. The practice of laying napkins on the toilet seat and holding the toilet brush with napkins was prevalent in all the units. Conclusion: In general, residents are concerned about contamination and behavioral avoidance in hospitals. Female dermatologists are more susceptible to fear of contamination. In this situation, medical education is insufficient. It may be beneficial to assess individual perceptions before the start of the residency program. Managers should establish a safe and reliable environment and proper education to reduce anxiety and occupational stress among residents.
