Prevalence of burnout syndrome among health‑care professionals working at Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia
Volume 8, Issue 11, November 2018, Pages 1-7
. Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula, . Tadesse Melaku Abegaz, . Sewunet Admasu Belachew, . Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes, . Begashaw Melaku Gebresillassie, . Vijay Kumar Chattu
Abstract BACKGROUND: Due to exhaustive working climate, health‑care professionals (HCPs) are highly
exposed to emotional strain and work‑related stress that leads to burnout syndrome (BOS).
AIM: We aimed to explore the prevalence of BOS among HCPs and delineate the factors that
contribute to developing this emerging threat in HCPs working in Gondar University Hospital (GUH).
METHODS: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among HCPs using a self‑administered validated
questionnaire containing sociodemographic and job characteristics, symptoms of burnout using
Astudillo and Mendinueta questionnaire, and Maslach Burnout Inventory scale. The prevalence
of BOS was assessed by summation of answers to all 19 items with a range of 0–57. HCPs who
scored >23 were considered as burned out. Pearson’s correlation analysis and multivariate logistic
regression were used to assess the relationship between BOS and job factors. Data were analyzed
using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS: A total of 250 HCPs were approached out of which 248 responded (response rate –99.2%).
The overall prevalence of burnout was 13.7% and majority of the respondents experienced
debility (52.8%), self‑criticism (56%), and depressive symptoms (46%). BOS symptoms were
significant with age (P = 0.008), number of patients treated per day (P < 0.001), and HCPs working
in shifts (P < 0.001). Higher mean levels of emotional exhaustion (5.4 ± 1.2) and inefficacy (5.1 ± 1.7)
were noticed than cynicism (4.8 ± 2.0). Male HCPs, being single and years of experience, were
determinant factors for all the three dimensions of BOS, whereas profession was significantly
determinant for emotional exhaustion (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BOS among HCPs working in GUH was 13.7%. Being male,
unmarried, and years of experience were significant risk factors for all the three dimensions of BOS.
Pragmatic measures are recommended to prevent stressful challenges for the physical and mental
well‑being of the HCPs in GUH.