Burnout prevalence and associated factors among anaesthesia providers in Uganda

Abstract

Background: Burnout is an under looked, underestimated problem found among working professionals and thus under diagnosed. Anaesthesia is considered one of the most stressful medical specialties but there is a paucity of literature compared with other specialties. An analysis of burnout is essential because it is associated with adverse effects on patient care. Objective: To determine the burnout prevalence and associated factors among anaesthesia providers in Uganda. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted among 232 anaesthesia providers in Uganda. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory for Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel. Data analysis performed using descriptive analysis, bi-variable and multivariable linear regression models. Results: Burnout syndrome was detected in 54 participants correlating to a prevalence of 23.28%. However, 41.81% of participants were found to have a high risk of burnout as defined in this study. In the multivariable analysis, years of independent practice and hours of sleep per day were found to be significant. Conclusion: Approximately one quarter of anaesthesia providers in Uganda have burnout syndrome and double that number are at high risk of developing burnout syndrome. Increased years of practice and reduced hours of sleep a day were associated with higher rates of burnout.