Gender-based differences in burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: Are female nurses more prone to burnout than males? A meta-analysis

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the gender-based difference in burnout of nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic. Successful and valuable strategies can be designed to improve nurses’ well-being and to identify, treat, and prevent burnout by recognizing gender-related differences. A systemic search was conducted from electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from the inception to 12th FEB 2022. All statistical analyses were conducted in Review Manager 5.4.1. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. A random-effect model was used when heterogeneity was observed to pool the studies, and the results were reported via the standard mean difference (SMD) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Six cross-sectional studies were selected for meta-analysis. There was significant SMD for burnout in males compared with in females (SMD= −0.10 [−0.20, −0.00]; p= 0.04; I2= 84%). The results of the meta-analysis suggested that the overall burnout rate was more significant in male nurses than in female nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was no difference in emotional exhaustion or personal achievement in both genders. The depersonalization score was more significant in males.