Work-related Stress and Its Impact on Female Resident Doctors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Work-related stress among healthcare professionals is a growing concern, particularly during medical residency training, which is characterized by long hours, heavy workloads, and emotional strain. While these challenges affect all residents, female physicians often encounter additional gender-specific stressors that remain underexplored. This study aims to identify the causes of work-related stress and explore whether it impacts the quality of life of female resident doctors in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A qualitative research design was employed to capture participants’ lived experiences. Eight residents across multiple specialties and institutions were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Arabic and English, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using NVivo software. Participants talked about merging stressors that led to burnout, sleep disturbances, and issues with emotional and physical health. These stressors ranged from demanding workloads and inadequate institutional support to gender-based problems like maternity stigma, biased evaluations, and limited leadership opportunities. Coping strategies such as exercise, faith-based practices, and social support were adopted but often constrained by time pressures and unsupportive workplace cultures. Residents emphasized the need for reforms, highlighting improved facilities, gender-sensitive policies, structured mentorship, and greater institutional recognition of work-life balance. Overall, the study demonstrates that while structural aspects of residency significantly contribute to stress, gender-based barriers amplify its intensity for female residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Addressing these challenges requires both coping strategies and systemic reforms that foster equitable policies and supportive, gender-sensitive training environments. Future research should assess the long-term effects of such reforms and develop targeted interventions.