Speakers - 2026

Title: Perceived Stress and Emotional Intelligence among Gynecologists and Obstetricians in Libya: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Gynecologists and obstetricians are routinely exposed to high levels of occupational stress due to heavy workloads, shift-based duties, emergency responsibilities, and medico-legal pressures. Emotional intelligence (EI), defined as the ability to perceive, regulate, and utilize emotions effectively, has been proposed as a protective factor that may mitigate stress and improve professional well-being. However, empirical evidence from low- and middle-income or resource-limited settings remains limited, particularly in North Africa.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of perceived stress and emotional intelligence and to examine their associations with sociodemographic and occupational characteristics among gynecologists and obstetricians practicing in Libya.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among practicing gynecologists and obstetricians recruited from hospitals, private clinics, and professional conferences across Libya. Data were collected using validated self-administered instruments: the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS) and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Associations between categorical variables were assessed using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

A total of 204 physicians participated in the study. The majority were female (93.1%) and married (63.2%). Most participants demonstrated moderate emotional intelligence (71.6%), while 15.7% exhibited high EI. Perceived stress levels were predominantly moderate (94.1%), with 4.4% reporting high stress. No statistically significant associations were observed between emotional intelligence levels and demographic or occupational variables (p > 0.05). Marital status showed a significant association with perceived stress (χ² = 18.31, p = 0.019), with higher stress levels observed among married physicians. Other factors, including work setting and shift patterns, were not significantly associated with stress levels.

Conclusion

Moderate levels of perceived stress and emotional intelligence were prevalent among gynecologists and obstetricians in Libya. The significant association between marital status and stress highlights the interaction between professional and personal demands. These findings underscore the need for organizational and psychosocial interventions aimed at improving physician well-being in resource-limited healthcare systems.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand the prevalence and distribution of perceived stress and emotional intelligence among obstetricians and gynecologists in a resource-limited setting.
• Recognize the role of non-occupational factors, particularly marital status, in influencing physician stress levels.
• Apply emotional intelligence concepts to workplace well-being initiatives and professional development programs.
• Use the findings as baseline data for designing institutional mental health and burnout prevention strategies.
• Inform future research on physician well-being in obstetrics and gynecology, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.