Perceived burnout or the feeling of being burned out in health care professionals: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Depending on the various models explaining the burnout syndrome, different questionnaires have been developed to asses this topic, the most widely-used is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Moreover,
in trying to asses this syndrome in a faster and more practical way, several authors have developed other instruments with fewer items. The present investigation aims: 1. Study the prevalence of burnout syndrome
perceived using a simple measure of self-reported burnout, and to analyse its association with the scales of MBI. 2. Study demographic and work conditions associated with the perceived burnout. 3. Relate the burnout
to personal and work evaluations. The sample consist of 6150 health professionals in Latin America (mainly from Argentina but with representation from Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Uruguay, Guatemala and Spain, among others. The mean age of the sample was 42.4 years, 52.7% were males. They were supplied with an online questionnaire through the health web page ”Intramed” in order to measure  characteristics, perceptions and professional opinions. The MBI and a simple question to assess perceptions of burnout (Do you feel burnt out ?) was also included. The results indicated that 36.3% of the sample has the perception of “burnt out” or burnout . The perceived burnout is closely related to emotional exhaustion and is independent of depersonalisation. The burnout is associated with the perceived sense of personal and family
deterioration due to working conditions, and the idea of abandoning the profession.