Association between locus of control, work-related factors, socio-cultural and personal factors among Australian General Practitioners: findings from the MABEL national longitudinal survey

Background: Locus of control has been significantly associated with job attitudes, career behaviours, burnout and suicidal attempts. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between locus of control and other factors in Australian medical doctors. Aim/Objectives: To investigate the association between locus of control, work-related factors,socio-cultural and personal factors among Australian General Practitioners (GPs). Methods: This study uses retrospective data from the Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) – a 10-year longitudinal survey of doctors that builds evidence to help ensure the sustainability of the medical doctors, as well
as delivery of better health outcomes and improved access to medical services. All GPs in wave 3 during 2008–2010 were utilised for the purpose of this study. Findings: Of 3664 GPs, 64% were <50 years of age, 51% were male, 68% obtained degree from Australia, 62% lived in the major city, 83% lived with partners and worked long hours (median, 40 hours/week) with good health (88%). More than 80% were satisfied with their job. Excellent health, less working hours, the right balance of professional and personal commitments, good support network, the realistic expectation by patients and enough financial support were significant predictors for a better locus of control in a multivariate
liner regression model. Locus of control did not differ between GPs practising in rural and urban areas. Implications: Locus of control is significantly associated with work related factors and could assist policymakers in developing well-being and sustainable workforce strategies for Australian GPs.