Burnout prevalence and its associated factors among Chinese webcasters

Abstract

Abstract Background Webcaster is a young and high-income job, with a low barrier to entry, attracting a large number of people entering, however, huge job stress, job-related health problems, lack of labour and social security are leading to a wide unhealthy employee turnover. Data on the prevalence of burnout in webcaster are very limited. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and correlates of burnout among Chinese webcaster. Methods A total of 358 webcasters were recruited from 4 companies in Changsha, China. Socio-demographic information, career-related factors, job stress, interpersonal support, and burnout were collected by a self-design questionnaire through online platform. Results Nearly half (46.09%, 95% CI: 40.90 ~ 51.02%) of the webcasters met the high burnout criteria. In multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with burnout include lower education (junior high school and below: OR = 9.87), cyber violence (OR = 6.79), losing fans (OR = 4.37), longer live broadcast duration (> 8h per day: OR = 3.57), negative performance appraisal (OR = 2.61), longer resting (OR = 2.56), low income (OR = 2.41), live broadcasting time at day (OR = 2.30), higher seniority (OR = 2.34), job stress (OR = 1.19). The protective factor is interpersonal support (OR = 0.83). Conclusions Burnout is prevalent in Chinese webcasters. Dynamic risk factors include losing fans, longer live broadcast duration, negative performance appraisal, low income and daily live broadcast time, as well as job stress. Static risk factors include lower education, cyber violence, and higher seniority. The protective factor is interpersonal support. these findings may contribute to the risk management and health promotion of webcaster’s burnout.