Associations between effort–reward imbalance and risk of burnout among Swedish physicians

Abstract

Abstract Background The high prevalence of burnout among Swedish physicians may have several possible effects on individuals and society. However, further investigations of work-related factors associated with the risk of burnout among Swedish physicians are needed. Aims We aimed to study the associations between psychosocial work factors, based on the effort–reward imbalance (ERI) model, and the risk of burnout among Swedish physicians. Methods A representative sample of 7200 Swedish physicians was invited in 2021. Data were gathered through questionnaires, with a response rate of 41%. Logistic regression models were used to study the associations between exposure to ERI and the risk of burnout. Results Approximately 62% of Swedish physicians were exposed to a high ERI. Exposure to a high ERI was associated with 11 times increased risk (95% confidence interval 6.5–20.0) of burnout in adjusted models. Large variations in the prevalence of ERI and risk of burnout across sociodemographic and occupational factors were identified, particularly across different clinical specialties. Conclusions A majority of Swedish physicians were exposed to high levels of work-related stress, strongly associated with an increased risk of burnout. This population-based cross-sectional study underlines the need to further study variations of work-related stress across clinical specialties and to monitor occupational health among physicians longitudinally.