High risk of burnout in medical students in Serbia, by gender: A cross-sectional study

Influence of personal and career burnout on female employers' subjective evaluation of workplace acoustic environment

BACKGROUND

Burnout is an increasingly common problem in modern work settings that significantly affects people's health and well-being. Several studies have emphasized the impact of career burnout on employees' performance and efficiency. It is unknown whether career burnout mediated by personal burnout may affect employees' perception of their workplace physical environment attributes.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to understand if personal and career burnout can affect employers' acoustic environment evaluation of their workplace.

METHOD

Considering commonly experienced or highly experienced personal and career burnout among working women, the study targeted female university faculty members. The research involved stratified sampling and employed data from 272 individuals across five public and private universities in Tehran. Collected data were analyzed using SmartPLS (latest release 4.1).

RESULTS

The results revealed a significant link between personal and career burnout and the subjective evaluation of workplace acoustic environment. Career burnout mediated the relationship between personal burnout and negative evaluation of the workplace acoustic environment.

CONCLUSION

This study provides compelling evidence that experiences of burnout, whether related to personal or career aspects, substantially impact the subjective assessment of the acoustic environment within the workplace. The results underscore the complex interplay between an individual's degree of burnout and their subjective perception of the acoustic dimensions of their work environment. The findings extend our understanding of how psychological factors might shape our interpretation of the physical workplace.

Academic burnout syndrome among medical students in Serbia: prevalence of high risk and determinants

BACKGROUND

Although burnout syndrome has been described in numerous research studies, the data on burnout syndrome among medical students in developing countries is scanty. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of high-risk for burnout syndrome and its associated factors among university undergraduate medical students in Serbia.

METHODS

An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey and a survey on associated factors. The research was carried out from February to March 2014. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds ratio (Odds Ratio, OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) in order to identify independent correlates of high risk of burnout syndrome.

RESULTS

A high risk for burnout syndrome was noted in 15.0% of respondents; that is, 114/760 medical students suffered from high emotional exhaustion, high cynicism, and low academic efficiency. According to the results of multivariate logistic regression, the main significant independent correlates of high risk for burnout syndrome in medical students were: age of students (for aged 22-24: adjusted OR = 5.64, 95%CI = 2.58-12.34, p < 0.001 for aged ≥ 25: adjusted OR = 5.65, 95%CI = 2.08-15.39, p = 0.001) with p for trend < 0.001, higher frequency of alcohol consumption (for habit 1-2 times a week: adjusted OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.01-4.03, p = 0.048) with p for trend = 0.025, and use of sedatives (adjusted OR = 3.44, 95%CI = 1.31-9.04; p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

The present study identified several factors associated with burnout syndrome in Serbian medical students. Some factors associated with the high risk of burnout syndrome in medical students are modifiable. It is important to carry out similar research on burnout syndrome in the future, especially using longitudinal studies, in order to evaluate the associations found in this cross-sectional study.

Burnout syndrome among preschool teachers in Serbia

Pedagogical work, especially with preschool children, is one of the most stressful professions, and the incidence of stress-related illnesses among preschool teachers is higher than in the general population. The aim of this cross-sectional study, conducted between October 2018 and April 2019, was to examine the prevalence of the burnout syndrome in a representative sample of 482 preschool teachers in Serbia and the factors associated with it. For this purpose, the participants completed a questionnaire composed of six sections: the socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics, health and lifestyle characteristics, workplace and employment characteristics; Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). The frequency of the total burnout was 27.1 %. The frequency of burnout on the CBI was 25.4 % for personal burnout, 27.0 % for work-related burnout, and 23.4 % for client-related burnout. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with total burnout as an outcome variable showed that being single (OR: 0.18; 95 % CI: 0.05-0.58), having poor (OR: 6.05; 95 % CI: 1.05-34.91), or average (OR: 3.60; 95 % CI: 1.57-8.25) self-rated health, not having didactic/play tools (OR: 2.71; 95 % CI: 1.21-6.04), having a higher score on the BDI (OR: 1.19; 95 % CI: 1.09-1.29) or SAS (OR: 1.10; 95 % CI: 1.03-1.18) was significantly associated with the total burnout among our participants. Our study shows the worryingly high prevalence of the burnout syndrome among preschool teachers in Serbia and points to its association with mental health issues, depression, and anxiety.

High risk of burnout syndrome and associated factors in medical students: A cross-sectional analytical study

INTRODUCTION

Although research on burnout syndrome in medical students has increased in recent years, results are inconsistent about which factors are associated with a high risk for burnout syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of high risk of burnout syndrome and to identify factors associated with burnout in medical students in preclinical and clinical training.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Kragujevac, Serbia. The Maslach Burnout Inventory Student Survey and an epidemiological questionnaire on basic socio-demographic and academic characteristics were used. Statistical evaluation was performed through logistic regression analysis, using Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI).

RESULTS

Among medical students, no statistically significant differences were found in the prevalence of high risk of burnout syndrome in preclinical (14.8%) and clinical grade (15.1%), p > 0.05. High risk for burnout syndrome in preclinical study years was independently associated with the female sex (adjusted OR = 0.41, 95%CI = 0.19-0.91, p = 0.028), and cigarette smoking (adjusted OR = 2.47, 95%CI = 1.05-5.78, p = 0.038). The high risk of burnout syndrome was associated with sedatives use (adjusted OR = 4.03, 95%CI = 1.27-12.73; p = 0.018) only in clinical years medical students. The frequency of alcohol consumption was correlated with the high risk of burnout syndrome in medical students in both preclinical and clinical training, but without statistical significance (both p for trend < 0.1).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant prevalence of burnout among medical students, with some modifiable associated factors revealed.

Is There a Burnout Epidemic among Medical Students? Results from a Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Medical students represent the ideal target group for promoting mental health and mental wellbeing, being exposed to specific risk factors, such as the content of medical training, the exposure to sickness and death, and a stressful academic routine. Medical students report high levels of cynicism and emotional exhaustion, which represent two of the essential features of burnout syndrome. In this systematic review, studies assessing the levels of burnout among medical students through validated tools worldwide were analyzed. Materials and Methods: A systematic review has been performed in order to identify studies: (1) focusing on samples of medical students; (2) evaluating burnout syndrome using validated tools; (3) providing prevalence data on burnout; and (4) written in English. Results: Out of the 5547 papers initially obtained, 64 were finally included in the analysis. The sample sizes ranged from 51 to 2682 participants. Almost all studies had a cross-sectional design; the Maslach Burnout Inventory and its related versions were the most frequently used assessment tools. The prevalence of burnout, which was stratified based on gender and academic stage, ranged from 5.6 to 88%. Burnout was mostly predicted by thoughts of stopping medical education, negative life events, lack of support, dissatisfaction, and poor motivation. Conclusions: The prevalence of burnout syndrome in medical students is quite heterogeneous, reaching a peak of 88% in some countries. However, several predictors have been identified, including negative life events or poor motivation. These findings highlight the need to develop preventive interventions targeting the future generation of medical doctors, in order to improve their coping strategies and resilience styles.

Gender differences in alcohol abuse/dependence among medical undergraduates during the post-COVID‑19 pandemic period (October 20, 2020-April 5, 2021) in China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and the gender-specific risk factors of alcohol abuse/dependence among medical undergraduates during the post-COVID‑19 pandemic period in China.

METHOD

The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) was used to identify respondents with alcohol abuse/dependence. A questionnaire on basic demographics and mental distresses (learning burnout, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, and history of mental disorders) was used. The logistic regression model was used to explore the associations between the above characteristics and alcohol abuse/dependence.

RESULTS

A total of 3,412 medical undergraduates were included in the analysis. Males showed a higher prevalence of alcohol abuse/dependence than females (16.6% vs 7.4%, p < 0.001). Alcohol abuse/dependence was associated with learning burnout (OR: 2.168, p < 0.001) and having a partner (OR: 1.788 p = 0.001) among female medical undergraduates. Among male medical undergraduates, excessive daytime sleepiness (OR: 1.788 p = 0.001) and older age (OR: 1.788, p = 0.001) were independently associated with alcohol abuse/dependence.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol abuse/dependence was common among medical undergraduates during the post-COVID‑19 pandemic period. Substantial gender differences in the prevalence and risk factors of alcohol abuse/dependence were found among medical undergraduates in this study, which highlighted the need for timely gender-specific screening and interventions. However, the cross-sectional design adopted in this study has limited the examination of causality, thus further longitudinal studies are warranted.

The relationship between the burnout syndrome and academic success of medical students: a cross-sectional study

The burnout syndrome may affect academic achievement, but research on burnout and academic success of medical students is sparse. This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of high risk of burnout in students of medicine and to investigate its association with academic performance. It included 760 full-time medical students who completed the survey (response rate = 90.9 %). A significant independent predictor for high burnout risk in students with lower grade point average (GPA) was male gender (adjusted OR=2.44; 95 % CI=1.14-5.23; P=0.022). Among students with higher GPA, high burnout risk was associated with the use of sedatives (adjusted OR=6.44; 95 % CI=1.80-22.99; P=0.004).

Prevalence of burnout in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Medical students are at a significant risk of experiencing psychological issues, such as burnout. Over the past few years, more studies have been conducted on this topic, producing different results.

AIMS

The purpose of this review was to determine the global pooled prevalence rate and risk factors associated with burnout and its components among undergraduate (pre-intern) medical students.

METHOD

From inception until 30 November 2021, nine electronic databases were used for an electronic search. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we pooled the estimates using the DerSimonian-Laird method. The prevalence of burnout in medical students was the primary outcome of interest. Data were analyzed globally, by country, by research measure. Age and sex were examined as confounders using meta-regression analysis.

RESULTS

A random-effects meta-analysis of 42 studies involving 26,824 evaluating the prevalence of burnout in medical students showed an overall prevalence rate 37.23% [32.66%; 42.05%], Q = 2,267.15(41), p < .0001, τ² = .42, τ = .65, I² = 98.2%; H = 7.5. Prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment were 38.08% [30.67%; 46.10%], 35.07% [26.74%; 44.41%], and 37.23% [32.66%; 42.05%], respectively. Variations were observed between countries and research measures. Age (older) and sex (female) were both significant predictors of burnout.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of burnout in medical students was estimated to be 37.23%. It is urgent that future studies serve as a basis for the development of prevention and treatment programs to prevent and treat burnout in students.

Gender Differences in Job Burnout, Career Choice Regret, and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Dental Postgraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms among medical students have received widespread attention. However, little is known about the role of gender in these areas for dental postgraduates. This study aimed to explore gender differences in job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms among Chinese dental postgraduates.

METHODS

The data were collected from an epidemiological survey conducted by our group from February 2021 to March 2021. We used a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders scale, and the Career Choice Regret scale. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore influencing factors.

RESULTS

A total of 558 valid dental postgraduate questionnaires were included in this study. The prevalence of job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms exceeded 30% in males and females. The prevalence of job burnout was 4.7% higher in females than in males; career choice regret was 12.2% higher in females than in males (P < 0.05), and depressive symptoms were 4.9% higher in females than in males. The multivariable analysis showed that factors associated with job burnout for males were sleep time and career choice regret for females. The influencing factors on career choice regret for females were postgraduate entrance examination score, sleep time, and job burnout. Depressive symptoms were a common influencing factor for job burnout and career choice regret in male and female dental postgraduates. Also, job burnout and depressive symptoms had the highest odds ratio for influencing factors on each other.

CONCLUSION

Over 30% of dental postgraduates suffered from job burnout, career choice regret, and depressive symptoms, and incidences were higher in females. A discrepancy of influencing factors existed between male and female dental postgraduates. Targeted measures should be taken to change this situation.

The Relationship Between Anatomical Self-efficacy and Feelings of Burnout in First-year Medical Students

Feelings of burnout in professional students have been associated with additional psychological morbidities and decreased academic achievement. Due to the large volume of content that medical students need to learn during gross anatomy courses, it is possible that anatomical self-efficacy may be a contributing factor to feelings of burnout. Anatomical self-efficacy is defined as a student's judgment of their ability to execute tasks related to learning anatomy and perform course activities (e.g., dissection). First-year medical students were invited to provide basic demographic information at the beginning of the semester and to complete the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-student version (OLBI-SS) and the Anatomical Self-Efficacy Instrument (ASEI); at the beginning, middle, and end of the semester, they were enrolled in gross anatomy. Typical descriptive statistics for the demographic information were conducted, as well as, correlational analyses assessing if the information had a relationship with either anatomical self-efficacy or burnout. Female students were more burnt out than male students. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed that students' feelings of burnout significantly increased from the beginning of the semester to the midpoint and the end of the semester (p < 0.05). Linear regression demonstrated a predictive relationship between anatomical self-efficacy and burnout (p < 0.05) at all three measurement points in which lower self-efficacy was predictive of increased feelings of burnout.