Assessing burnout and quality of life among residents and fellows in a high-stress environment: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Postgraduate medical trainees (PGMT) are at increased risk of burnout and diminished quality of life (QoL) due to the intense demands of medical training, especially in conflict-affected regions where additional stressors prevail. This study evaluates burnout and QoL levels among PGMT in a tertiary medical center and identifies associated predictors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study conducted among 112 PGMT between May and June 2024 used the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) and the WHOQOL-BREF to assess burnout and QoL, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable analyses identified predictors of MBI-HSS subscales (emotional exhaustion (EX), depersonalization (DP), and professional efficacy (PE)) and WHOQOL-BREF domains (physical, psychological, social and environmental) respectively.

RESULTS

This study found that 58% of the participants exhibited high levels of emotional EX, 28% showed high levels of DP, and 50% reported low levels of PE. QoL scores across physical, psychological, social, and environment domains ranged from 57.7 to 58.7. Social isolation, chronic disease, and financial challenges had statistically significant positive associations with burnout subscales and reduced QoL in various domains.

CONCLUSION

Burnout levels among PGMT are more favorable than expected but EX and low PE levels remain concerns. QoL perceptions across various domains were moderately satisfactory, yet issues such as social isolation, mental health problems, and financial difficulties negatively impacted trainees' well-being. Targeted interventions to manage burnout and enhance QoL remain essential for trainees' well-being and the effective functioning of medical institutions.