Prevalence and factors associated with burnout among junior medical doctors at a South African tertiary public sector hospital.

INTRODUCTION

burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and emotional exhaustion that occurs due to exposure to stressful conditions over a long period. It can lead to poor job performance, apathy, and lack of productivity. This study looks at the prevalence of burnout in medical interns in a tertiary hospital in South Africa and the factors that may contribute to burnout.

METHODS

an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. Medical interns working in Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2019 were invited to participate. The participants filled questionnaire that had demographic information, the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale, a scale to rate the rotations that they believed contributed towards their burnout and factors they think contributed towards their burnout. Our data was analyzed using Stata.

RESULTS

out of a possible 165 potential participants, 101 medical interns enrolled. 95% of the participants reported burnout. Statistically significant factors contributing towards burnout were lack of resources and poor relations with support staff and senior staff. The medical rotation that was reported by the participants to contribute most towards their burnout was internal medicine.

CONCLUSION

burnout in this population of medical interns is alarmingly high. Higher than reported in similar studies in South Africa and internationally.