Burnout among medical students in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives The primary aim was to estimate the burnout prevalence among all medical students at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus. Secondary aims were to ascertain the predictors of burnout and its relationship with lifestyle habits, sleep quality and mental health. Background Burnout in the healthcare sector has drawn significant scientific attention over the last few years. Recent research underscored the large burden of profession-related burnout among medical students. Materials and methods An anonymous questionnaire was administered to all 189 eligible candidates. This included demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, mental health was assessed via the mental health (MH) domain of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS). Results Overall response rate was 96.3%. The burnout prevalence was 18.1%. There was a significant linear effect of between the year of studies and the burnout frequency [F(1) = 5.09, p = 0.024], implying that with increasing academic year there were more students with burnout, especially after the 4th year of education which signifies the beginning of clinical education. Students with burnout were more likely to have poor sleep quality (90.9% vs. 60.8%, odds ratio 4.33, p = 0.023) and worse mental health (MH score 40.2 ± 17.7 vs 62.9 ± 20.3, p<0.001). Alcohol consumers had more symptoms of cynicism and less feelings of efficacy than non-alcohol consumers. Moreover, less feelings of efficacy were significantly associated with more alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers. Conclusions Burnout is prevalent in medical students and increases significantly during the clinical years. Students with burnout have worse sleep and mental health and might use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Implementing prevention strategies of burnout may be beneficial.

Burnout among medical students of a medical college in Kathmandu; A cross-sectional study

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Medical Studies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact of Digital Learning on Medical Students’ Burnout and Mental Health

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“…A total of 189 medical students who are enrolled in the program were invited to participate to the study. Originally, the study was designed as a cross-sectional study before the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus, we had a baseline assessment (pre-COVID-19) which took place in January 2020 [ 10 ]. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed in the form of a hard copy to all students during the last week of January 2020.…”

Student burnout and engagement: Relationship with adolescent use of alcohol and attitudes towards authority

“…In this regard, Meylan, Doudin, Curchod-Ruedi, & Stephan (2015) found that youths with emerging problematic frequency of use showed high levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism, and emphasized that this result could be due to adolescents using substances to calm the stress of school. Similarly, Nteveros et al (2020) found differences between users/nonusers of alcohol in burnout dimensions. In particular, youths who drank had more symptoms of cynicism and fewer feelings of efficacy than those who did not.…”