Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome for Public Schoolteachers in the Brazilian Context: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the prevalence of burnout-related symptoms in Brazilian schoolteachers who work in public schools. The literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed-MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Peer-reviewed studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered for inclusion. A total of 2106 records were identified through database searching and 7 additional studies were identified through other sources. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies were included in the systematic review. Burnout syndrome prevalence was assessed through seven distinct questionnaires. Overall, the majority of the studies presented high methodological quality. Brazilian schoolteachers exhibited high levels of emotional exhaustion (21–69%), high or moderate degrees of depersonalization (8–32%), and high levels of personal realization and enthusiasm toward the job (30–90%). From these data, it is possible to infer that Brazilian schoolteachers are, in general, affected by burnout syndrome. However, and, surprisingly, they seem to be motivated and idealistic, as demonstrated by their high levels of personal realization and enthusiasm toward the job (30–90%). This likely favors the implementation of programs designed to avoid or reduce burnout, deal with stress, and enhance teaching quality.

Burnout, Organizational Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem among Brazilian Teachers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Considering other studies carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated problems faced by teachers directly contributing to professional exhaustion [ 34 , 39 ], more severe scores were expected in our study, since the percentage of teachers with high and moderate levels of burnout was low. Previous studies carried out studying burnout among Brazilian university professors [ 15 , 20 ], as well as among teachers from other levels of education, and according to a systematic review carried out by Montoya et al [ 29 ], also demonstrate this trend.…”

“…Exhaustion, the dimension most affected in the sample of this study, represents fatigue and extreme tiredness, mentioned by some authors as the core of the burnout syndrome construct [ 27 , 28 ]. Other studies point out that even in samples with no burnout, the level of teacher exhaustion is high [ 29 ].…”

Social Vulnerability of Brazilian Metropolitan Schools and Teachers’ Absence from Work Due to Vocal and Psychological Symptoms: A Multilevel Analysis

“…A study showed that long-term absence from work occurred more often in older teachers [ 13 ]. A systematic review reports that Brazilian public school teachers have high levels of emotional exhaustion in combination with a prevalence of burnout—nonetheless, they are persistently motivated and idealist [ 48 ], which may help them continue working, despite being sick. Voice symptoms are better recognized by others because they are physical and restrict or limit communication in the classroom, unlike psychological symptoms, which are often neglected or not legitimated.…”

Indicators and predictors modifiable by the nursing department during the preoperative period: A scoping review

“…Once the information has been extracted, brainstorming session was then held to discuss and resolve the items (indicators or predictors) that generated disagreement. Any discrepancies during the data extraction and analysis process were resolved by consensus among the members of the research team (Montoya et al, 2021).…”