Quality of life, physical and mental health of physicians: a self-evaluation by graduates from the Botucatu Medical School--UNESP.

OBJECTIVE This paper aimed to analyze self-evaluations in terms of quality of life (QoL), physical health (PH) and mental health (MH) of ex-medical students from a Brazilian public university, correlating these outcomes with demographic data and several professional aspects. METHODS a cross-sectional study with a target population of all students graduated from the Botucatu School of Medicine (UNIFESP--São Paulo State University) between 1968 and 2005. A self-administered questionnaire, which could be answered by regular mail or internet, was used. RESULTS From the 2,864 questionnaires that were sent by mail, 1,224 (45%) were answered and sent back. Good or very good QoL, PH and MH were reported by 67.8%, 78.8% and 84.5% of participants, respectively. In the final logistic regression model, positive QoL was associated with good PH and MH, regular attendance to scientific meetings, enough leisure time, and professional satisfaction. Good or very good PH was independently associated with positive QoL and MH, higher income level, regular physical activities, and never having smoked. Positive MH remained associated with professional satisfaction, enough leisure time, and positive evaluation of both QoL and PH. CONCLUSIONS Among medical doctors graduated from São Paulo State University, PH and MH were inseparable aspects, which were also related to the self-evaluation of QoL. Good habits, such as regular practice of physical exercise, enough leisure time, and not smoking were associated with positive health in general and should be encouraged. Professional satisfaction had an important impact on the emotional well-being of participants.