Effect of Marriage on Burnout among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Yong-Hsin Chen, Shu-Zon Lou, Ching-wen Yang, Hsiu-Mei Tang, Chiu-Hsiang Lee () and Gwo-Ping Jong ()
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Yong-Hsin Chen: Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
Shu-Zon Lou: Department of Occupational Therapy, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
Ching-wen Yang: Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
Hsiu-Mei Tang: Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
Chiu-Hsiang Lee: Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
Gwo-Ping Jong: Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital and Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-13

Abstract: Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout symptoms have been prevalent among healthcare workers. Living with spouses can be complex and was associated with an increased burnout risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the relationship between living with spouses and burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We distributed questionnaires to participants working in a hospital affiliated with a medical university in Taiwan. The questionnaires were the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, which comprises personal burnout (PB), work-related burnout (WB), and client burnout subscales; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire; and information on basic demographic variables, family factors, living habits, work-related factors, and physical health factors. Multiple linear regression and mediation analysis were used. We obtained 1615 (63.81%) valid questionnaires. After analysis revealed that marriage was an independent risk factor for PB; however, the effect of marriage on WB was nonsignificant after controlling for risk factors. Parenthood, less alcohol use, reported sleep duration less than six hours, less overtime, less shift work, and participation in leisure activities with family and friends were found to be mediators between marriage and a lower WB level. In addition, chronic diseases, frequent neck pain, and shoulder pain were suppression factors. In summary, marriage was associated with an increased risk of PB. Married individuals sustain a high WB level because of changes in family roles, living conditions, and work conditions. Overall, helping healthcare workers to maintain well-being in marriage or family living may be effective in decreasing burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: personal burnout; work-related burnout; COVID-19; marriage; parenthood; mediation effect; suppression effect (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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