Assessment of burnout in medical students using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey: a cross-sectional data analysis

Abstract

Background Medical student burnout can cause emotional and physical exhaustion and detachment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), identify factors that may predict burnout, and assess wellness initiatives effectiveness at reducing burnout. Methods The MBI-SS was administered to all medical students (Classes 2019 to 2022) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM) from February to May 2019. Factor analysis and internal consistency of the MBI-SS were assessed. Mean MSBI-SS subscale scores for burnout were calculated for cynicism (CY), emotional exhaustion (EE), and academic efficacy (AE). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify student factors that may predict burnout. Results A total of 273 (21.6%) UICOM students completed the survey and 110 (40.3%) respondents reported self-perceived burnout. MBI-SS subscale scores were significantly higher for CY and EE, and significantly lower for AE in students who reported suffering from burnout versus students who did not report burnout. Mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in burnout students were 14.44 ± 5.59, 23.23 ± 4.74, and 24.81 ± 5.35, respectively. In comparison, mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in non-burnout students were 7.59 ± 5.16, 14.96 ± 5.71, and 28.74 ± 3.21, respectively. Regression analysis denoted significant associations between burnout and being out-of-phase in the curriculum, the effectiveness of wellness initiatives, and strength of motivation for medical school (SMMS) in both the two- and three-dimensional MBI-SS models. Gender was significantly associated with burnout in only the two-dimensional model. Conclusions Self-reported burnout in medical students at UICOM was validated using the MBI-SS. Being out-of-phase in the curriculum, being female, rating wellness initiatives as less effective, and demonstrating lower motivation for continued medical school education may be used as predictors of medical student burnout. This investigation may act as a guide for measuring burnout in medical student populations and how the implementation of wellness initiatives may ameliorate burnout.

Burnout and Associated Factors Among Medical Students in a Public University in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This correlates with prior studies that showed a higher degree of burnout in senior medical students. 16 , 17 The transition from preclinical years to clinical years of training appears to be a risk factor for academic stress in medical school. 5 , 24 The low burnout prevalence of fifth years may be due to them having learned some coping strategies such as life coaching, reflective practice, self-care, musical and physical activities.…”

“…Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey tool which was adapted from 17 , 18 and had been validated in Brazil. 19 The MBS-SS is a self-administered tool consisting of 15 questions.…”

“…There are two validated calculation methods used to compare burnout scores among participants ie, the summation (SUM) and average (AVE) method. 17 Burnout is determined by the total score of the MBI-SS based on the participant’s responses by using both the tridimensional and bidimensional diagnostic criteria for burnout syndrome as listed in the ICD-11. On a two-dimensional model, it is identified by high scores on both emotional exhaustion and cynicism subscales.…”

Burnout syndrome in Spanish medical students

“…Finally, notice that some authors have questioned the validity of the MBI to assess the burnout syndrome in medical student [ 22 , 25 ]. However, there are many authors who support its validity [ 26 – 28 ] and Dyrbye et al considered MBI as “the reference standard for measuring symptoms of burnout” [ 29 ]. In fact, MBI is the most applied tool in the worldwide to test this syndrome, being used in more than 90% of all empirical studies [ 25 ].…”

Burnout Syndrome and Its Predictors Among Female Medical Students at Al-Azhar University

“…It also negatively impacts decision making ability, relation-ships with colleagues and doctor patient relationship [8] .…”