Burnout in university faculty: An interaction between subjective sleep quality and the OXTR rs2268498 polymorphism

Understanding Burnout in Forensic Medicine and the Interaction of Job Satisfaction and Unconditional Self-Acceptance: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Burnout syndrome is increasingly recognized as a significant occupational hazard among forensic medicine professionals, a population exposed to intense psychological stress and complex work demands. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout, job satisfaction, and unconditional self-acceptance among forensic personnel in Romania and to explore potential predictors and mediators of burnout within this context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 153 forensic medicine professionals from 31 counties across Romania. Participants completed a battery of standardized instruments, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS), and the Unconditional Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (USAQ). Cut-off scores for burnout subscales were established using the 75th percentile. Data were analyzed to identify demographic, occupational, and psychological correlates of burnout. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and burnout prevalence. Group comparisons were made across demographic and professional categories. A mediation model was tested to evaluate whether unconditional self-acceptance mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and burnout. We hypothesized that job satisfaction would be negatively associated with burnout symptoms and that unconditional self-acceptance would mediate this relationship, acting as a protective psychological factor.

RESULTS

Approximately a quarter of respondents met the criteria for high total burnout, emotional exhaustion, and professional inefficacy, while cynicism was present in a fifth of participants. Burnout was more prevalent among younger workers, forensic medicine residents, and those working in the capital. Job satisfaction was generally high, but lower in women, younger individuals, and residents. Nearly half of the participants reported low or very low self-acceptance. Mediation analysis revealed that unconditional self-acceptance partially mediated the relationship between job satisfaction and burnout, suggesting a protective psychological mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the considerable burden of burnout among forensic medicine professionals in Romania and identifies job dissatisfaction and low self-acceptance as key contributors. Findings underscore the need for targeted interventions aimed at enhancing job satisfaction and emotional resilience, particularly in vulnerable subgroups. Institutional efforts that support mental well-being, foster emotional coping, and improve organizational dynamics are essential to reduce burnout in this high-risk population.

Exploring Burnout at the Morgue During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Phase Analysis of Forensic and Pathology Personnel

Background/Objectives: Burnout is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated burnout levels among forensic medicine and pathology personnel at three distinct phases: the early pandemic period (Phase 1-September 2020), the peak of the pandemic (Phase 2-October 2021), and the post-pandemic period (Phase 3-October 2024). Methods: A total of 37 participants employed in forensic medicine and pathology departments completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). A one-way repeated measures ANOVA was conducted to assess within-subject differences over time. Normality and sphericity were tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test and Mauchly's test, with the Greenhouse-Geisser correction. Post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons identified significant differences, and partial eta squared (η2) was reported for effect sizes. Results: Results showed significant fluctuations in burnout levels across the three phases. Emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment peaked during Phase 2, with slight reductions observed in Phase 3. Gender differences were evident, with females reporting higher EE levels and males exhibiting higher depersonalization across all phases. Marital and parental status also influenced burnout levels, with unmarried individuals and those without children showing higher burnout scores. Medical doctors experienced the highest burnout levels among professional roles, while auxiliary staff showed significant challenges in the PA subscale. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was pivotal in exacerbating burnout levels due to increased workload, crisis decision-making, and emotional toll. Although the sample size is limited, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to mitigate burnout among forensic and pathology personnel, especially during healthcare emergencies. Gender-based differences in burnout suggest the necessity of specific workplace well-being strategies, while the protective role of family status demonstrates the importance of work-life balance policies. The persistence of psychological distress after a medical crisis calls for long-term monitoring and support programs. There is a need for improved workload distribution, peer support networks, and mental health training to build resilience among forensic and pathology personnel.

Head nurse ethical competence and transformational leadership: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Ethical competency is important to head nurses' transformational leadership, however, few researches have explored their correlation, Additionally, most studies used variable-oriented approach to examine ethical competence, without considering it as a multidimensional concept. This study aimed to identify the latent profiles of head nurses' ethical competence and examine differences in transformational leadership across latent profiles.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 329 head nurses from four tertiary hospitals in Changsha, Hunan province, China. This study collected data by using social-demographic survey, Ethical Competence Questionnaire, and Head Nurse's Transformational Leadership Self-rating Scale between July and August 2023. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify latent profiles of ethical competency. One-way ANOVA test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the transformational leadership scores across latent profiles of ethical competency.

RESULTS

The mean scores of ethical competence and transformational leadership were 4.045 ± 0.394 and 4.555 ± 0.419, respectively. This study identified three latent profiles of head nurses' ethical competence, and those profiles labelled "low ethical competence" (n = 60, 18.2%), "moderate ethical competence" (n = 217, 66.0%) and "high ethical competence" (n = 52, 15.8%). The average score of transformational leadership was also statistically different (F = 26.446, p = 0.000) across the three profiles.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions to address the varying profiles of ethical competence among head nurses. Enhancing ethical competence can strengthen transformational leadership, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality.

Predictor variables effect on the development of Burnout Syndrome in higher education professor

OBJECTIVES

to correlate the development of Burnout Syndrome in higher education professors with the following variables: sociodemographic, economic, work, sleep pattern, level of anxiety and quality of life.

METHODS

observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Data collection took place from August to November 2022, with 140 professors from a private higher education institution in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

RESULTS

professors who carried out activities outside institutional hours and who had sleep duration < 5 hours, presented lower scores in the personal fulfillment dimension of burnout, with (p=0.002) and (p=0.001), respectively. The higher the scores for the physical (p=0.001), psychological (p=0.000) and social relationships (p=0.002) domains of quality of life, the lower the personal fulfillment scores for the syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

through linear regression, it was evidenced that several variables explain the development of burnout. Institutional and governmental actions can minimize the negative influence of these variables.

Cross-sectional survey of sleep, fatigue and mental health in veterinary anaesthesia personnel

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sleep quality, prevalence of fatigue and depressive symptoms in veterinary anaesthesia personnel.

STUDY DESIGN

Anonymous online voluntary survey.

METHODS

Sleep quality, fatigue, depressive symptoms and self-perceived burnout were scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and single-item burnout measure, respectively. Demographic data and questions about work-related fatigue, out-of-hours duty, transport and rest periods were included. PSQI, FSS and PHQ-9 scores were compared using Spearman rank correlation tests.

RESULTS

Responses from 393 participants were obtained from an estimated population of 1374 including diplomates of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary An(a)esthesia and Analgesia (43.9%), residency-trained veterinarians (15.6%), residents-in-training (13.8%) and veterinary technicians and nurses (12.0%), from 32 countries. Most were employed in clinical university teaching hospitals (54.2%) or clinical private practice (41.5%). PSQI scores > 5 were reported by 71.2% of respondents, with 52.4% reporting insufficient sleep to meet their job demands. Many showed high or borderline fatigue (56.4%), and 74.7% reported mistakes due to work-related fatigue. Major depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) were found in 42.7%, with 19.2% reporting they had thought about suicide or self-harm in the previous 2 weeks. Over half (54.8%) met the criteria for burnout and more veterinary nurses and technicians suffered from burnout than other roles, with 79.6% of this group affected (p < 0.001). Scores for PSQI and FSS [r (388) = 0.40, p < 0.001]; PSQI and PHQ-9 [r (389) = 0.23, p < 0.001]; and FSS and PHQ-9 [r (387) = 0.24, p < 0.001] were all positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This survey demonstrates a high prevalence of poor sleep, fatigue, depressive symptoms and burnout in veterinary anaesthesia personnel, and more should be done to improve the health of those in the profession.

Genotype-genotype interactions of the OXTR gene polymorphisms are associated with self-reported daytime dysfunction, sleep latency and personal distress

The oxytocin receptors located in the corticotropin-releasing factor neurons of the paraventricular nucleus are stimulated by oxytocin. Oxytocin functions as the regulator of the corticotropin-releasing factor system and in turn promotes sleep quality. The objective of this study was to examine the main and genotype-genotype interactive effects of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms on sleep quality. A total of 324 participants were randomly recruited from a university in Beijing, China. Sleep quality was measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The OXTR single-nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2254298, rs2268498, rs13316193, rs2268490 and rs2268491) were genotyped. The results showed that gender and age were associated with various empathy traits (all p < 0.001). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was positively correlated with the Personal Distress subscale of empathy (p < 0.001). Both rs2254298 and rs2268491 interacted with rs13316193 to influence daytime dysfunction and Personal Distress (all p < 0.05), indicating that in individuals with rs13316193 CC/CT genotype, those with rs2254298 AA/AG or rs2268491 TT/TC genotypes displayed higher daytime dysfunction and Personal Distress scores than those with rs2254298 GG or rs2268491 CC genotypes. Conversely, among the individuals with rs2254298 GG or rs2268491 CC genotypes, the rs13316193 C allele carriers had lower daytime dysfunction and Personal Distress scores than rs13316193 TT homozygotes. There was also a significant interaction between rs2268490 and rs2268498 on the sleep latency dimension of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Our findings reveal for the first time the genotype-genotype interactions of the OXTR gene on sleep quality, which may open new research avenues for studying psychopathology involving sleep problems.

Does transformational leadership and psychological empowerment improve nurses' innovative behaviour during COVID-19 outbreak? A cross-sectional study

AIMS

To investigate the relationships between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment and innovative behaviour among nurses in China.

BACKGROUND

The innovative behaviour of nurses is important to adapt to the changing medical environment. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the relationship between nurses' innovative behaviour and transformational leadership and psychological empowerment during the pandemic.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to conduct an investigation involving 1317 nurses from 10 hospitals in China from January 2022 to April 2022. Data analysis was performed using correlation analysis, univariate analysis and multiple regression analysis. The STROBE checklist was followed when writing this manuscript.

RESULTS

High transformational leadership and high psychological empowerment were associated with high innovative behaviour. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that physical condition, whether or not you have attended academic conferences or whether or not you have participated in fund research projects, transformational leadership and psychological empowerment were the main factors on nurses' innovative behaviour, together explaining 64.5% of the total variance.

CONCLUSION

Promotion of transformational leadership and psychological empowerment is vital for nurses to promote innovation, thereby meeting the urgent demand for innovative nurses and the rapid development of nursing disciplines.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

This study highlights the importance of transformational leadership in developing nurses' innovative behaviours. Understanding the role of psychological empowerment can help nurse managers formulate relevant intervention strategies and cultivate nurses' innovative behaviour.

Gene-environment interaction between circadian clock gene polymorphisms and job stress on the risk of sleep disturbances

RATIONALE

Sleep disturbances was associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. Many studies have reported that long-term exposure to job stress can lead to sleep disturbances, which may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors.

OBJECTIVES

This cross-sectional study investigated whether circadian clock gene polymorphisms modulated the influence of job stress on sleep disturbances in a Chinese Han population, which to our best knowledge has not been explored.

METHODS

The Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were both used to access job stress and sleep disturbances. The SNaPshot SNP assay was carried out by screening for circadian clock gene polymorphisms in every participant. Interactions associated with sleep disturbances were assessed by linear hierarchical regression analysis and SPSS macros (PROCESS).

RESULTS

Linear hierarchical regression analysis showed that job stress was significantly related to sleep disturbances. Likewise, our study found a significant effect of PER2 rs2304672 polymorphisms on sleep disturbances (p < 0.01), after controlling for confounding factors. In addition, the PER2 rs2304672 genotype modulated the relationship between job stress and sleep disturbances (β = 0.414, p = 0.007). Interestingly, further analysis of the results of the PER2 gene rs2304672 × job stress interaction showed that rs2304672 G-allele carriers had a high-risk effect on sleep disturbances under high job stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the PER2 rs2304672 polymorphism may modulate the influence of job stress on sleep disturbances. These findings contribute to the field of sleep disturbances prevention and treatment.

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on sleep duration, sleep quality and burnout in faculty members of higher education in Mexico

This paper aims to assess the differences and associations of the effect of COVID-19 on sleep habits, sleep quality, and burnout symptoms among faculty members of higher education in Mexico. This was a cross-sectional study with a total sample of 214 faculty members of higher education from Mexico between May 18th and June 10th of 2020. We applied questionnaires containing sociodemographic and specific questions regarding sleep habits, sleep quality, and burnout symptoms. The results show that during COVID-19 faculty members delayed their bedtime and rise time. No change was found with weekdays time in bed, however, during weekends, time in bed was more than an hour shorter. Social jetlag decreased significantly during COVID-19. Furthermore, during COVID-19, those who reported low sleep quality were more likely to report higher symptoms of emotional exhaustion and those who slept less on weekends were more likely to report higher symptoms of depersonalization. These results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic may have an effect on sleep and sleep quality and burnout symptoms of faculty members from higher education in Mexico.

Interaction between the BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism and job stress on job burnout of Chinese university teachers

BACKGROUND

Job burnout is related to both environmental and genetic factors. However, previous studies on job burnout in teachers have mainly focused on potential stressors in the environment, while ignoring genetic factors. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) may be a pathogenic factor involved in burnout symptoms. Therefore, this study further investigated the relationship between the BNDF gene polymorphism, job stress and job burnout in Chinese university teachers.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, 361 faculty and staff members from a university in Beijing were enrolled. Job stress was measured with the Work Stress Scale. Job burnout was measured by the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory which has three dimensions, namely emotional exhaustion (EE), cynicism (CY), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). The BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism was genotyped in all participants.

RESULTS

CY score was associated with education level (p < 0.01), and PA score was associated with age (p < 0.05). Job stress was positively correlated with EE (r = 0.776), CY (r = 0.457), and PA (r = 0.163) (all p < 0.01). After controlling for gender, age and education level, the BDNF gene rs16917237 polymorphism did not affect job burnout, but it interacted with job stress to influence EE and CY (both p < 0.05), indicating that individuals with TT genotype were more susceptible to higher levels of job stress, resulting in job burnout symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the BDNF gene rs16917237 TT genotype may be a risk factor for job burnout in Chinese university teachers.

The impact of transformational leadership on nurse faculty satisfaction and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated mediated analysis

AIMS

To examine the effects of nursing deans/directors' transformational leadership behaviours on academic workplace culture, faculty burnout and job satisfaction.

BACKGROUND

Transformational leadership is an imperative antecedent to organizational change, and employee well-being and performance. However, little has been espoused regarding the theoretical and empirical mechanisms by which transformational leaders improve the academic workplace culture and faculty retention.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey design was implemented.

METHODS

Nursing faculty employed in Canadian academic settings were invited to complete an anonymous online survey in May-July 2021. A total of 645 useable surveys were included in the analyses. Descriptive statistics and reliability estimates were performed. The moderated mediation model was tested using structural equation modelling in the Analysis of Moment software v24.0. Bootstrap method was used to estimate total, direct and indirect effects.

RESULT

The proposed study model was supported. Transformational leadership had both a strong direct effect on workplace culture and job satisfaction and an inverse direct effect on faculty burnout. While workplace culture mediated the effect of leadership on job satisfaction and burnout, the moderation effect of COVID-19 was not captured in the baseline model.

CONCLUSION

The findings provide an in-depth understanding of the factors that affect nursing faculty wellness, and evidence that supportive workplace culture can serve as an adaptive mechanism through which transformational leaders can improve retention. A transformational dean/director can proactively shape the nature of the academic work environment to mitigate the risks of burnout and improve satisfaction and ultimately faculty retention even during an unforeseen event, such as a pandemic.

IMPLICATION

Given the range of uncertainties associated with COVID-19, administrators should consider practicing transformational leadership behaviours as it is most likely to be effective, especially in times of uncertainty and chaos. In doing so, academic leaders can work towards equitable policies, plans and decisions and rebuild resources to address the immediate and long-term psychological and overall health impacts of COVID-19.

Evaluation of sleep quality among nursing faculty: Application of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-A descriptive correlational study

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe the overall sleep quality, sleep patterns and severity of sleep difficulties among nursing faculty using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study.

METHODS

A survey of faculty recruited from Texas Board of Nursing approved colleges/schools was used. A purposive, convenience sample of 105 faculty completed the PSQI, a reliable and valid instrument, in an online setting. Data was collected from January 2019 through April 2019.

RESULTS

Nursing faculty reported sleep difficulty across all components, with more problems in sleep latency, sleep disturbances and subjective sleep quality. Overall, 70.5% of participants were reportedly "poor" sleepers, a salient finding. Faculty experienced poor sleep quality across all academic ranks and age groups. Sleep latency and subjective sleep quality were components that presented higher in severity for the youngest faculty.