Factors Associated with Burnout in Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Burnout in healthcare professionals remains an ongoing concern. There are a number of variables associated with reactivity to stress in healthcare staff. This study wants to identify risk factors which predispose healthcare professionals to burnout. Material and Methods: The cross-sectional study included a group of 200 subjects, medical staff and auxiliary staff from the national health units, who gave their free consent to answer the questions regarding the level of perceived stress at work. The screening tool used was disseminated through the Google Forms platform, maintaining the anonymity of the participants. Results: Resident doctors (42%) responded predominantly, reporting the highest level of burnout, with nurses (26.5%) being the least affected (χ2 = 36.73, p < 0.01). Less work experience is correlated with increased burnout (rho = 0.29, p < 0.01). Reactivity to stress was highly associated with workplace, with ambulance staff being the most vulnerable (χ2 = 6.58, p < 0.05). Participants’ relationship status significantly influenced the burnout rate, the unmarried, with or without a partner, being more affected (χ2 = 16.14, p < 0.01). There are no significant differences between male and female gender, regarding the average level of burnout (U = 1.47; p > 0.05), nor between living in a house or apartment (U = 4.66; p > 0.05). Positive associations were identified between the level of burnout and variables such as: management pressure, administrative work, routine, regretting decisions regarding patients, harassment at work and sacrifice of personal time. Conclusions: The results of this study identify age, profession, workplace seniority and relationship status as factors associated with burnout in medical personnel.

Burnout in mental health services in Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…24 Other pre-COVID-19 studies suggested that in large cities, income is lower in relation to higher living costs, increased traffic and increased competition in the field of activity, and that this may explain those differences in medical personnel burnout between rural and urban areas. 22 , 25 Although the lack of resources and increased case-load in rural and semi-rural areas have been hypothesised as risk factors for burnout, the present study and findings from previous research do not support this. Other factors previously reported in the literatures need to be investigated as possible protective factors for burnout.…”

“…A more recent study from Romania showed no difference in burnout rates between rural and urban areas. 22 Previous work has also suggested a higher rate of burnout among rural mental health providers, attributed to factors such as limited resources, geographical isolation, difficulties with recruitment and retention, and a tendency for rural dwellers to delay help-seeking and present later in their course of illness. 23 …”

The Impact of Psychological Interventions with Elements of Mindfulness on Burnout and Well-Being in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review

“…There are contradictory data on the connection between relationship status and sensitivity to burnout. 49 , 50 …”

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“…Shanafelt and colleagues found that providing clinicians with 20% of the time to do "what they most care about" is associated with 50% less burnout [9]. In addition, another study presents the high chances of developing burnout syndrome in female resident doctors who work more than 80 hours a week, regardless of their specialization [10].…”