Junior doctors working in Malta report the lowest levels of work-life satisfaction in the European Union, according to new research by the European Junior Doctors Association (EJD).

The study, which analysed data from 19 EU countries, found that junior doctors in Malta work some of the longest hours in Europe while taking the fewest rest days per month. Malta also recorded the smallest proportion of respondents who described themselves as satisfied with their work-life balance.

Although the survey did not disclose the exact number of Maltese participants, the EJD said Malta met the required quota, allowing the findings to achieve a 95% confidence level with a ±3% margin of error.

When asked about overall work-life satisfaction, Malta ranked alongside Greece and Portugal among the countries reporting the highest levels of dissatisfaction. In contrast, the highest satisfaction levels were reported in Estonia, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, where junior doctors generally work fewer hours.

On average, junior doctors in Malta work around 65 hours per week, placing the country among those with the longest working hours in Europe. Greece and Cyprus recorded even higher averages, at 72 and 69 hours respectively. The European Working Time Directive sets a 48-hour weekly limit, but most countries exceed this threshold due to opt-out provisions.

The study also highlighted the intensity of night and extended shifts in Malta. According to the survey, 82% of junior doctors in Malta undertake 24-hour shifts, while 91% perform night duties. On average, Maltese junior doctors complete six night shifts per month, second only to Greece.

Rest time was identified as a particular concern. Junior doctors in Malta reported an average of just four rest days per month, the lowest among the countries surveyed. In addition, 9% of respondents said they were unable to take four weeks of annual leave.

The EJD attributed much of the dissatisfaction to long working hours and insufficient rest, calling for stronger enforcement of existing regulations. It urged Malta to comply with the European Working Time Directive and pushed for urgent reform of rota systems to ensure doctors receive adequate rest.