Burnout among Medical Professionals: Analyzing Factors, Effects, and Coping Strategies

Dr Sana Faisal (), Dr Inas Gomaa Salim Elsayed (), Dr Muhammad Saad Ahmad (), Dr Dur E Nayyab (), Dr Aqsa Fatima (), Dr Ghulam Murtaza () and Dr Ismail Ahmed ()

International Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing Practice, 2024, vol. 6, issue 5, 37 - 46

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and contributing factors of burnout among medical professionals. It aims to identify the effects of burnout on their physical and mental health and to explore the coping strategies employed to manage this condition. Methodology: A structured questionnaire was distributed to medical professionals across various specialities to gather data on demographics, factors contributing to burnout, its effects, and coping strategies. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and visualized with bar charts to identify patterns and differences between male and female respondents. Findings: The study surveyed 65 medical professionals, with a gender distribution of 55.4% female and 44.6% male. Key findings revealed that the predominant factors contributing to burnout were long working hours (38.5%) and high workload (29.2%). The primary effects of burnout included physical health issues (32.3%) and mental health issues (30.8%). In terms of coping strategies, engaging in self-care activities (40%) and social activities such as having fun and going out with friends (29.2%) were most commonly employed. Gender-based analysis indicated that for males, the top burnout factors were high workload (40%) and long working hours (32%), with significant effects being reduced job satisfaction (28%) and mental health issues (28%). For females, long working hours (76.9%) were the predominant factor, with physical health issues (53.8%) being the most common effect. Coping strategies varied, with males favouring self-care activities (36%) and social activities (32%), while females equally favoured social activities, self-care activities, and setting boundaries at work (30.8% each). Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on burnout among medical professionals by highlighting gender-specific differences in burnout factors, effects, and coping strategies. It provides empirical evidence that long working hours and high workload are significant contributors to burnout, but their impact varies between males and females. The findings underscore the importance of considering gender when studying burnout, as the effects and coping mechanisms differ. This nuanced understanding can inform theoretical models of occupational stress and burnout, leading to more comprehensive frameworks that account for gender-specific experiences.

Keywords: Burnout; Medical professionals; Workload; Mental health; Coping strategies; Healthcare policy; Occupational stress (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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