Introduction:

Work engagement is a positive, satisfactory and work-related state of mind; characterized by vigor, dedication and absorption. It is related to better patient care and fewer medical errors due to inexperience and/or lack of time. On the other hand, stress is a multifactorial state of mental fatigue, it depends on the perception of specific situations and the ability to cope with them. Resident physicians are subject to multiple stressors detrimental to their performance.

Objective:

Describe the level of work engagement and perceived stress among residents of Mexico City and the probable relationship between these variables.

Method:

Quantitative, exploratory, non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A total of 248 medical residents of Mexico City were evaluated using the UWES-15 and PSS scales. Descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson's Chi square test.

Results:

The mean commitment was 4.5 (± 1.2), and of the dimensions vigor (4.3, SD ± 1.4), dedication (4.6, SD ± 1.3) and absorption (4.4, SD ± 1.3). The total of residents had an average of 38.1 (SD ± 7.6) of perceived stress. According to the association analysis between commitment and perceived stress, it was found that there is a statistically significant negative linear moderate correlation (Spearman r = -0.443, p = 0.000).

Conclusions:

This study is the first to examine the level of work engagement and perceived stress among medical residents of Mexico City. These variables are common in the medical training of residents, and it was shown that there is a negative correlation between these variables. Improving work engagement is important for both young doctors and patients, as the latter will receive better quality care.