Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Academic burnout is a worldwide problem that troubles students at all academic
levels. Despite the significant effects of this problem on students’ mental health and academic
achievements, yet, it has not been adequately studied in Iranian system of academic education.
Therefore, we aimed to explore the incidence of academic burnout status and its associated factors
among the students at Guilan University of Medical Sciences.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross‑sectional study was conducted over a number of
303 students at Guilan University of Medical Sciences during 2016. Study samples were selected
through the stratified random sampling method, and a set of data including sociodemographic
information, educational status, study habits, and burnout inventory status was collected for each
sample. Items of burnout inventory status were based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data were
analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including t‑test and linear regression.
RESULTS: The students in our study reported a mean of 2.53 ± 0.7 for academic burnout score.
Along with related factors of academic burnout, marital status (P = 0.029), grade point average
(P = 0.002), being interested in field of study (P = 0.000), and study time (P = 0.000) were significantly
associated with academic burnout of students. Furthermore, the incidence of academic burnout did
not differ between male and female students.
CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the considerable prevalence of academic burnout among students of
medical sciences, it is needed that policymakers implement more effective educational programs
considering the associated factors of academic burnout.

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.