Burnout Among Health Care Workers and Associated Risk Factors Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic In a Tertiary Health Care Setting

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a work-related stress syndrome resulting from chronic exposure to stress. Its prevalence is higher in some healthcare workers (HCWs) than others and various factors have been linked. The COVID-19 pandemic was one of these.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and pattern of burnout among HCWs, and its association with individual and organizational factors.

Methods: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive hospital-based one conducted at UITH, Kwara, Nigeria. Data was collected from 320 HCWs using self-administered questionnaires from June through August 2022 and a stratified random sampling technique was used The prevalence of burnout was assessed using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory. The collected data was sorted, coded and entered into the computer for analysis using the SPSS-21. Results were presented using frequency tables and charts. Chi-square was also used to assess the association between burnout and organizational as well as individual factors. The level of significance of this study was set at 5% (p <0.05).

Results: The prevalence of burnout in this study was 71% as 227 HCWs had burnout. Among those without burnout, 8% (26) were disengaged, 14% (45) were exhausted and 7% (22) had no burnout. The individual factors that had a statistically significant association with burnout were: the occupation of HCWs, specialty and cadre of doctors. Burnout was highest among doctors with the highest prevalence seen among junior residents (p-value
0.00). Based on speciality, the surgeons experience more burnout compared to others (p=0.00). Among the organizational factors, excessive workload, long working hours, poor remuneration and inadequate personnel had a significant association with burnout. Logistic regression revealed p value <0.05 in these factors.

Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout in this study was high. Factors associated with burnout need to be evaluated and modifiable ones controlled, to enhance the well-being of workers.