Burning Bright or Burning Out: A Cross-sectional Study on Burnout among Postgraduate Residents in an Eastern Indian Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout is a concerning clinical syndrome comprising excessive stress, lack of satisfaction, and a feeling of being overworked. In India, postgraduate residents who shoulder the entire burden of patient care, are prone to suffer from burnout. Only a few Indian studies have been carried out to estimate the prevalence of burnout among postgraduate resident doctors. Our study, the first of its kind from eastern India, aims to address this lacuna. Materials and Methods: This was a single-institution cross-sectional observational study carried out using an online semi-structured form comprising demographic data and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Appropriate statistical tests were carried out to analyze the data obtained. Results: The study received a response rate of 79.2%. Of the participants, 44.1% were females, 54.9% were males, and 1% identified as other gender. The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 28.02 (3.67) years. Overall, 75% of the participants experienced burnout. Younger participants, females, clinical residents, those in a relationship, and 2nd year of residency reported higher emotional exhaustion. Depersonalization was associated with lower age, being in a relationship, metropolitan upbringing, and 2nd year of residency. The lower personal accomplishment was seen in those coming from metropolitan and rural backgrounds. Conclusion: Burnout has serious implications on psychological and physical health of the residents. Interventions for effective management will greatly improve the overall mental health and work performance of the junior doctors.