Exploring Mental Health Issues among Cardiologists in Public-Sector Cardiac Hospitals: A Reflexive Thematic Study from Southern Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This qualitative research focused on how cardiologists employed in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, public sector cardiac hospitals perceive and encounter the mental health implications stemming from work and personal life pressures. As many as ten male cardiologists between 45 - 59 years of age, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data from the interviews was examined using reflexive thematic analysis. Nine interrelated themes emerged. These themes include, among others, chronic sleep deficit with suboptimal recovery, occupational overload with systemic strain, the emotional and psychological burden of occupational stress and health anxiety, and coping constraints with stigma and spirituality. The cardiologists who participated in this study did not equate mental health to the presence or absence of a mental health condition. The construction of mental health among study participants encompassed the totality of the lived experience. Mental health was expressed in the constellation of physical health, emotional regulation, family and social inclusion, occupational and financial fulfillment, and culturally appropriate coping. The findings suggest occupational overload aggravates chronic sleep deprivation, irritability, emotional and social withdrawal, intimacy and spousal support deficits, and reluctance to seek assistance. Based on the findings of this study, a range of culturally appropriate psychological and coping supports in the workplace, as well as integrated statutory safety and health supports, are recommended for cardiologists in Pakistan.