Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Although the World Health Organization has emphasized the need for reorientation
of hospitals toward health promotion (HP), HP in hospitals of Iran is a new concept. This study
investigated the concept of HP among health‑care professionals working in educational hospitals
of Isfahan, Iran, 2015.
METHODS: A descriptive exploratory qualitative approach was employed in this study, with
semi‑structured interviews to investigate HP concept. The study settings included four selected
educational hospitals affiliated to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. A purposive sample
consisted of 15 health‑care professionals who were participated in the study.
RESULTS: Most of the participants perceived HP as a concept synonymous to health education and
disease prevention. Other meaning attributes to HP were improved quality of life and well‑being,
clinical practice, individual and group approach to increase health, and holistic view to health. Some
empowerment strategies were described by participants, but most of the participants rarely went
beyond traditional health education strategy aimed at an individual target. A sizeable number of
participants used interchangeably the terms “health promotion” with “prevention,” “health education,”
and “hygiene”.
CONCLUSIONS: It seems that participants of this study had limited knowledge about HP. Health‑care
staff have a decisive role for reorienting hospitals toward HP; thus, there is a need for ongoing
in‑service training for health‑care professionals of hospitals to focus on HP.

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.