Other Titles
Healthcare Providers' Wellness: Current Challenges & Gut Health [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Healthcare provider well-being is essential for high-quality patient care. However, stress, burnout, and demanding work environments negatively impact physical and mental health, including gut health. The gut-brain axis underscores the link between gastrointestinal function, stress, and well-being, yet limited research has explored gut health among healthcare professionals.
Purpose: This study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among healthcare providers and examined associations with stress levels, clinical environment, and quality of life in acute and outpatient settings.
Framework: Guided by the Biopsychosocial Model, this research explored how biological, psychological, and social factors influence the well-being and gut health of healthcare providers.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 149 Cook County Health providers (95 nurses, physicians, fellows, and APRNs) was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025. Validated tools, including DASS-21 and DQLQ, measured stress and quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, and logistic regression to identify associations between stress, workplace factors, and gut health.
Results: Eighty-five percent (126/149) of participants reported gastrointestinal symptoms during the workday. Most were female (79%), over age 45 (57%), and had more than five years of experience (83%). No significant differences in gut issues were found between inpatient and outpatient settings (p > 0.05). However, higher stress scores and lower quality-of-life ratings were significantly associated with gastrointestinal discomfort and bowel irregularities (p < 0.05). Key workplace contributors included limited restroom access, inadequate hydration, missed breaks, and negative social interactions.
Conclusion: Gut health issues are prevalent among healthcare providers and are strongly associated with stress and overall well-being rather than the clinical setting. Improving hydration access, break opportunities, restroom availability, and stress management programs can support both gut and mental health. Promoting a culture that values self-care and well-being is vital to sustaining a healthy, resilient healthcare workforce.
Notes
Presenter notes available in attached slide deck.
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Cross-Sectional
Research Approach
Quantitative Research
Keywords:
Well-Being, Gut Health, Gut Microbiota, Stress, Burnout, Psychological Burnout, Healthcare Providers, Medical Personnel, Wellness, Health, Psychological Stress, Stress Management
Recommended Citation
Liu, Linda and Joseph, Simi, "A Cross-Sectional Study to Explore Healthcare Providers’ Wellness: Current Challenges & Gut Health" (2026). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 28.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2026/presentations_2026/28
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Washington, DC, USA
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-04-24
A Cross-Sectional Study to Explore Healthcare Providers’ Wellness: Current Challenges & Gut Health
Washington, DC, USA
Background: Healthcare provider well-being is essential for high-quality patient care. However, stress, burnout, and demanding work environments negatively impact physical and mental health, including gut health. The gut-brain axis underscores the link between gastrointestinal function, stress, and well-being, yet limited research has explored gut health among healthcare professionals.
Purpose: This study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms among healthcare providers and examined associations with stress levels, clinical environment, and quality of life in acute and outpatient settings.
Framework: Guided by the Biopsychosocial Model, this research explored how biological, psychological, and social factors influence the well-being and gut health of healthcare providers.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 149 Cook County Health providers (95 nurses, physicians, fellows, and APRNs) was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025. Validated tools, including DASS-21 and DQLQ, measured stress and quality of life. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square, and logistic regression to identify associations between stress, workplace factors, and gut health.
Results: Eighty-five percent (126/149) of participants reported gastrointestinal symptoms during the workday. Most were female (79%), over age 45 (57%), and had more than five years of experience (83%). No significant differences in gut issues were found between inpatient and outpatient settings (p > 0.05). However, higher stress scores and lower quality-of-life ratings were significantly associated with gastrointestinal discomfort and bowel irregularities (p < 0.05). Key workplace contributors included limited restroom access, inadequate hydration, missed breaks, and negative social interactions.
Conclusion: Gut health issues are prevalent among healthcare providers and are strongly associated with stress and overall well-being rather than the clinical setting. Improving hydration access, break opportunities, restroom availability, and stress management programs can support both gut and mental health. Promoting a culture that values self-care and well-being is vital to sustaining a healthy, resilient healthcare workforce.
Description
Gut health issues are prevalent among healthcare providers and are strongly associated with stress and overall well-being rather than the clinical setting. Improving hydration access, break opportunities, restroom availability, and stress management programs can support both gut and mental health. Promoting a culture that values self-care and well-being is vital to sustaining a healthy, resilient healthcare workforce.