Type A Behavior Patterns among Neurosurgeons and Neurosurgical Trainees.

ABSTRACT Background The busy and demanding work schedule of neurosurgeons suggests that they may have type A behavior patterns (TABP). TABP is also associated with multiple diseases; hence, early identification may lead to behavioral change and disease prevention. Objective We aimed to determine TABP among neurosurgeons and trainees in the Philippines, as well as the association between demographic and clinical factors and TABP. Methods An online survey was sent to neurosurgeons and neurosurgical trainees in the Philippines. Data on age, sex, comorbid conditions, smoking and alcohol use, training institution, level of residency training, and place of practice were obtained. The modified Bortner Scale was used to determine TABP. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used for analysis. Results A total of 102 individuals (41 neurosurgeons, 61 trainees) participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were male (74%), with a mean age of 36 years. The Bortner scores were normally distributed. TABP was significantly associated with female sex (p=0.0006) in the entire cohort, but the trainee cohort also exhibited a significant association between TABP and training in a public institution (p=0.0027). Conclusion TABP followed a normal distribution among neurosurgeons and neurosurgical trainees in the Philippines. There was a significant association between TABP and female sex for both neurosurgeons and trainees, while training in a public institution was significantly associated with TABP only among trainees.