Type A Behavior Patterns Among Neurosurgeons and Neurosurgical Trainees

Background: The busy and demanding work schedule of neurosurgeons suggests that they might have type A behavior patterns (TABPs). TABPs are also associated with multiple diseases; hence, their early identification could lead to behavioral changes and disease prevention. We aimed to determine the presence of TABPs among neurosurgeons and trainees in the Philippines and the association between demographic and clinical factors and TABPs.

Methods: An online survey was sent to neurosurgeons and neurosurgical trainees in the Philippines. Data on age, sex, comorbid conditions, smoking, alcohol use, training institution, level of residency training, and place of practice were obtained. The modified Bortner scale was used to determine TABPs. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used for analysis.

Results: A total of 102 individuals (41 neurosurgeons and 61 trainees) completed the survey. Most of the respondents were men (74%), with a mean age of 36 years. The Bortner scores were normally distributed. TABPs were significantly associated with female sex (P = 0.0006) in the entire cohort. However, the trainee cohort also exhibited a significant association between TABPs and training in a public institution (P = 0.0027).

Conclusion: The presence of TABPs followed a normal distribution among neurosurgeons and neurosurgical trainees in the Philippines. A significant association was found between TABPs and female sex for both neurosurgeons and trainees, and training in a public institution was significantly associated with TABPs only among the trainees.