The profile of the Brazilian cardiologist : a sample of members of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology

Abstract

Background: Data from the international literature have shown changes in the profile of cardiologists and in their medical practices. However, there is no data on this in Brazilian cardiologists. Objective: To evaluate professional and personal characteristics of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study; a questionnaire was sent by e-mail to cardiologists, active members of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology in 2017. The results were analyzed, and the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 13,462 cardiologists, with 2,101 (15.6%) respondents, mostly men (71.8% versus 28.2%). Age distribution and marital status were significantly different between the sexes (p < 0.001). The number of cardiologists without children was higher among women (40.5% versus 16.1%; p < 0.001). The most common place of work was the public hospital (46.5%), followed by private hospital (28.5%) and private office (21.1%). The office was the main place of work for 23.9% of men and 14% of women (p < 0.001), with predominance of individuals older than 50 years (31.7% versus 10.1%, respectively; p < 0.001). Most cardiologists (64.2%) worked more than 40 hours a week (69% of them men and 51.9% of the women; p < 0.001). Eighty-eight percent of the sample earned more than BRL 11,000 (US$ 3,473.43), and 66.5% of the men earned more than BRL 20,000 (US$ 6,315.32) per month, versus 31.2% of the women (p < 0.001). A high level of work-related stress was reported by 11.3% of respondents. Conclusion: Most cardiologists were men, who showed higher workload and higher income; 11.3% of the cardiologists perceived stress as a great deal.

Fundamento: Dados internacionais mostram mudanças no perfil e nas características da atuação dos cardiologistas. No entanto, não há na literatura dados acerca da realidade brasileira. Objetivo: Avaliar as características profissionais e pessoais de amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros. Método: Estudo transversal realizado por meio de questionário enviado via e-mail para os cardiologistas adimplentes da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia em 2017. Os resultados foram analisados considerando nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Foram enviados 13.462 questionários, havendo 2.101 (15,6%) respostas, com predominância de homens (71,8% versus 28,2%). A distribuição etária e o estado civil foram significativamente diferentes entre os gêneros (p < 0,001). O número de cardiologistas sem filhos foi maior entre as mulheres (40,5% versus 16,1%; p < 0,001). O local de trabalho mais frequente foi hospital público (46,5%), seguido por hospital privado (28,5%) e consultório privado (21,1%). O consultório é a principal atividade de 23,9% dos homens e 14% das mulheres (p < 0,001), predominantemente entre aqueles com mais de 50 anos (31,7% versus 10,1%, respectivamente; p < 0,001). A maioria (64,2%) trabalha mais de 40 horas semanais (69% dos homens e 51,9% das mulheres; p < 0,001). A renda mensal de 88% é superior a R$ 11.000 (US$ 3,473.43), e 66,5% dos homens recebem mais que R$ 20.000,00 (US$ 6,315.32) mensais, contra 31,2% das mulheres (p < 0,001). Nível elevado de estresse foi relatado por 11,3%. Conclusões: Os homens são maioria entre os cardiologistas, têm maior carga de trabalho e renda superior à das mulheres. A taxa de estresse em grande proporção foi de 11,3%.