Prevalence and correlates of burnout among collegiate cycle students in Sri Lanka: a school-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundEven though the concept of burnout has been widely explored across the globe, the evidence base on burnout among high school students in the South Asian context is scanty. Against the backdrop of ever-increasing educational demands and expectations, the present study was designed to determine the prevalence and correlates of burnout among collegiate cycle students in Sri Lanka.MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 872 grade thirteen students in 15 government schools in an educational zone, Kegalle district, Sri Lanka selected by a stratified cluster sampling technique. The validated Sinhala version of the 15-item Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) was used to assess burnout. The adjusted prevalence of burnout was computed based on the clinically validated cut-off values using the “exhaustion + 1” criterion. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out using backward elimination method to quantify the association between burnout and selected correlates identified at bivariate analysis at p value less than 0.05.ResultsThe response rate was 91.3% (n = 796). The adjusted prevalence of burnout among grade thirteen students was 28.8% (95% CI = 25.0–32.7%). Multivariable analysis elicited a multitude of statistically significant associations with burnout when controlled for other factors included in the model (p < 0.05). Perceived satisfaction related to the school environment (classroom and library facilities), school curriculum (scope, relevance, and difficulty of the subject content), study enthusiasm (preferred subject stream), study support (support from parents to teachers), and future expectations (personal and parental expectations) emerged as statistically significant negative associations with burnout, whereas having to encounter disturbances while studying and being subjected to bullying at school emerged as statistically significant positive associations with burnout.ConclusionsThe burnout prevalence among grade thirteen students in the selected educational zone, Sri Lanka is high. Most of the significant correlates of burnout are directly related to the academic endeavours. It is recommended to strengthen the counseling services at the school level to rectify the problems related to burnout among collegiate cycle students in Sri Lanka.

Intervention for burnout among English education undergraduates: implications for curriculum innovation

“…Student burnout can be defined as a 3-pronged syndrome consisting of a feeling of exhaustion as a result of demands of studying, a cynical attitude of detachment and withdrawal, and a diminished professional efficacy with respect to academic requirements. [2] The introduction of Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) in 2002 brought the concept of student burnout to limelight. [2] Since then, several studies have been carried out across the globe which confirmed the prevalence of burnout among different student populations particularly undergraduate students.…”

“…[2] The introduction of Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) in 2002 brought the concept of student burnout to limelight. [2] Since then, several studies have been carried out across the globe which confirmed the prevalence of burnout among different student populations particularly undergraduate students. [1–5] In particular, a study conducted among undergraduate students in 3 Spanish universities revealed that majority of the students showed that there was an average level of emotional exhaustion and academic efficacy (mean = 2.68 ± 1.02 and 2.90 ± 0.92 respectively) and high level of cynicism (mean = 4.60 ± 0.74) as recorded by the MBI-SS.…”

Intervention for burnout among chemistry education undergraduates in Nigeria

“…Studies conducted in different parts of the world report prevalence rates of academic burnout between 7.2% and 70.6%. [1][2][3][4] Burned-out students show high levels of exhaustion and a negative attitude toward school work. 5 In Nigeria, studies have shown that most university students across different disciplines exhibit a high degree of burnout symptoms.…”

Burnout: A Burning Issue among Sri Lankan Students

“…Using the validated MBI-SS, the magnitude of burnout among collegiate cycle students were assessed by Wickramasinghe et al (45). A schoolbased cross-sectional study was conducted among 872 Grade 13 students in 15 government schools in Mawanella Educational Zone.…”