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 ( < .01). US trainees felt more productive during work hours but less fatigued.

Conclusions: Fatigue was more prevalent among postgraduate trainees in Japan.