Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics associated with burnout syndrome in healthcare workers post-COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract This study analyzed the relationship between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and burnout syndrome among 379 healthcare workers in southern Chile in 2022, using sociodemographic and occupational questionnaires and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The association between variables was assessed using the chi-squared test (χ2), and principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted. A burnout prevalence of 8.71% was found, with high levels of emotional exhaustion (41.7%) and low self-realization (40.6%). PCA showed that emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were associated with burnout, whereas self-realization was linked to the absence of this syndrome, suggesting it may be a protective factor. Contrary to expectations, low levels of burnout were observed post-pandemic. Associations were identified between burnout syndrome and factors such as the work environment, type of work, work shift, and caring for people at risk. Emotional exhaustion and lack of self-realization emerged as influential factors. These findings underscore the need for interventions aimed at improving working conditions and fostering psychological well-being in the healthcare sector.