Burnout syndrome in primary healthcare professionals

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the level of burnout syndrome among primary healthcare professionals in Canton Sarajevo and whether there is a link between the levels of burnout syndrome and sociodemographic parameters.

Methods: We included a total of 300 primary healthcare professionals. The burnout syndrome level was measured by Maslach Burnout Inventory, consisting of 22 particles (3 subscales) measuring the level of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). We analyzed the correlation and difference between the level of burnout and sociodemographic parameters.

Results: The study revealed that in Canton Sarajevo 25.3% of healthcare professionals experience a high level of EE, 17.7% experience DP, and 19.0% experience a low level of PA. The subjects under 40 years experienced a higher level of EE than older subjects (p=0.000). There were significant differences in PA subscale between men and women (p=0.033), women having lower level of PA than males. Respondents who worked in shifts and respondents with indefinite period employment experience significantly a high level of EE. Subjects who drink alcohol had a higher level of DP.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are at increased risk of burnout. Factors which increase the burnout syndrome risk in health professionals in Sarajevo Canton were: age under 40 years old, female, working in shifts and drinking alcohol.