Burnout and associated factors among health Professionals in selected public, and private hospitals of Jimma zone southwest ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Burnout refers to the emotional depletion and loss of motivation that result from prolonged exposure to chronic emotional and interpersonal stressors on the job. It is defined by the three dimensions of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional inefficacy. Health care professionals-due to the nature of their day-to-day activities are prone to occupational burnout. The healthcare workforce often carries excessive and sometimes complex workloads that lead to burnout. Burnout results in reduced job satisfaction and performance, and an increase in stress-related health problems. To best of our knowledge there is a paucity of literature of regarding the topic. Thus, this study aimed to fulfill knowledge gap in the study area. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among health professionals working in private and selected public health hospitals in the Jimma Zone. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study design was employed from May 24-August 24, 2022. A total of 406 (203 from public and 203 health professionals from private hospital were involved by using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using quantitative method of data collection using self-administered questionnaire. Job satisfaction was assessed by Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaire and burnout was assessed by Maslach Burnout Inventory methods. The collected data were entered into epidata software v 4.6.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were use. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. P-value < 0.05 was used to identify the significant predictors. Results: The overall health professionals’ burnout was 53% [95%CI: 48.9-57.9]. High level of burnout was observed in 30.5%, 49.3% and 56.7% for emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment subscales respectively. In multiple logistic regression analysis, monthly income >10500 [AOR=2.14, CI (1.17-3.89)], moderate perceived social support [AOR=0.33, CI (0.17-0.64)], high perceived social support [AOR=0.19, CI (0.09-0.41)], and less satisfaction with the job [AOR=2.87, CI (1.51-5.47)] were significantly associated with the presence of burnout. Conclusion and recommendations: Overall the magnitude of burnout was high among health professionals of Jimma Zone. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of burnout comparing health professionals working in private versus public hospitals. Moderate and high level of perceived social support negatively associated with burnout. Health care professionals satisfied with their job have less risk of burnout. Stakeholders should give due emphasis to burnout of health professionals. Strategies to promote social support and job satisfaction of health professionals should the priorities of interventions. Future studies should evaluate the problem including the role of monthly income on burnout with better design and causality.