Abstract
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.