Title : Exploring the intersection of gut health and well-being among healthcare providers: A cross-sectional study
Abstract:
Background: The well-being of healthcare providers is crucial for the effective delivery of patient care. High levels of stress, burnout, and challenging clinical environments are common in healthcare settings and can significantly affect mental and physical health. Recent research has increasingly recognized the gut-brain axis—the bi-directional communication between the gut and brain—as a critical link between stress and gastrointestinal health. When gut health is compromised, it can lead to issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, all of which can impair job performance and overall quality of life. Despite the growing awareness of stress-related health problems in healthcare workers, limited research has been conducted on the prevalence and impact of gut health issues in this population.
Purpose: This study aims to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among healthcare providers and examine their association with stress levels, clinical practice environments, and quality of life in acute and outpatient care settings. The study will explore whether stress and work-related factors influence gut health, which is an often-overlooked aspect of healthcare providers' overall well-being.
Methods: This study uses a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from healthcare providers at Cook County Health. A total of 1,500 healthcare providers were invited to participate, with a target sample size of 102 respondents. The survey runs from December 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025, and includes questions on demographics, gut health, stress levels, clinical environment factors, and quality of life. Validated assessment tools are employed to measure each of these variables. The data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify significant associations and predictors of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Results: This study seeks to provide new insights into the relationship between stress and gut health among healthcare providers. It will also identify potential interventions to improve providers' well-being, with the aim of enhancing both their physical and mental health. As of December 18, 2024, 73 responses have been received, and the survey results will be available by January 31, 2025.
Conclusion: By examining the link between gut health and overall well-being, this study aims to inform targeted interventions that can improve healthcare providers' physical health, mental health, and job satisfaction. These interventions will ultimately foster resilience in healthcare workers and contribute to better patient outcomes by ensuring that providers are healthier and more engaged in their work.
