Prevalence of fatigue among postgraduate trainees in the United States and Japan

Background: The difference in prevalence of fatigue among postgraduate trainees between the United States and Japan is unknown. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using Iowa Fatigue Scale was administered on postgraduate trainees in two internal medicine residency programs in New York and five postgraduate residency programs in Japan. Results: Of the 393 trainees, 135 (34%) completed the survey. Seventy-seven (57%) were US trainees. Both fatigue (42% vs 81%) and severe fatigue (4% vs 19%) were more prevalent in Japan (P <.01). US trainees felt more productive during work hours but less fatigued. Conclusions: Fatigue was more prevalent among postgraduate trainees in Japan.