Publication date: Sep 19, 2025
The medical profession is associated with high demands and occupational stressors – including confrontation with illness and death, extended work hours, and high workload – which may increase the risk of traumatization and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on prevalence of PTSD among physicians and examine potential moderators, including the COVID-19 pandemic, specialties, and geographic regions. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, PsychINFO, and PubPsych up to April 2025. Included studies were English-language, peer-reviewed, observational studies, reporting PTSD prevalence in physicians, using validated instruments. Studies focusing on preselected PTSD cases or mixed healthcare samples were excluded. Data extraction included study methodology, measurement tools, geographic region, specialty, and survey timing (pre-/”post”-COVID). Risk of bias was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. Quantitative synthesis and moderator analyses were performed. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID CRD42023401984). Based on 81 studies (N = 41,051), the pooled PTSD prevalence using a random-effects model was 14. 9% (95% CI [0. 132-0. 168]). Prevalence estimates were lower in high-income (13. 6%) compared to middle-income countries (21. 1%) (p
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | death |
| disease | MESH | posttraumatic stress disorder |
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 pandemic |
| disease | MESH | Occupational Stress |