Burnout syndrome among medical professors and their associated factors: a cross-sectional analysis

Síndrome de burnout entre professores de medicina e seus fatores associados: uma análise transversal

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with Burnout syndrome in professors of undergraduate medical courses.

Methods: A quantitative study was conducted between February and June 2020, involving 60 professors from a federal educational institution's undergraduate medical program. The study adopted an observational, analytical, and cross-sectional design. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used as the data collection instrument. The chi-square test was employed to determine significant differences between professors with moderate and high levels of Burnout. Variables such as gender, age, marital status, having children, workload, and full-time dedication were subjected to logistic regression analysis. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: Out of the total participants, 31 (51.7%) were female. The average age was 50 years (63.4%), with 55 (91.7%) having a stable partner and 32 (53.3%) having children. Regarding teaching experience, 36 (60.0%) had over 15 years of experience, 38 (63.3%) taught both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels simultaneously, 55 (91.7%) stated that teaching was not their primary activity, and 43 (71.6%) were tenured professionals. In the overall Burnout analysis, 1 (1.7%) showed a low level, while 24 (40.0%) had a moderate level, and 35 (58.3%) had a high level. When comparing all variables, a higher frequency of high level was observed in the Personal Accomplishment dimension, with the participation of 26 professors (43.3%). Professionals with moderate Burnout were predominantly male, representing 14 (58.3%), while those with high Burnout were mainly female, totaling 21 (60.0%). In the univariate and multivariate analysis, the presence of Burnout was observed in participants with moderate or high levels of Emotional Exhaustion, combined with moderate or high levels of Depersonalization. Conclusions: The results highlighted the possibility of developing Burnout syndrome in the studied population, as well as the relationship between this professional activity and the proccess of ilness.

Keywords: Burnout Syndrome. Professional Exhaustion. Occupational Stress. Medical Educators. Educational Institutions.