Abstract
BackgroundThe occurrence of burnout amongst African health professionals has been widely anticipated, but there is a dearth of published data, especially amongst doctors. Burnout has been reported to be as high as 53% amongst doctors in the United States. If not detected, it can result in prescription errors, work-related accidents, substance abuse and depression.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout and its associated factors amongst a sample of physicians in Ghana.SettingThis study was conducted in Kumasi amongst physicians attending a conference organised by the West African College of Physicians, Ghana Chapter.MethodA cross-sectional study. Of the 90 physicians who registered for the conference, 60 responded to a self-administered Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire. Data were analysed descriptively and inferentially using STATA® version 14.ResultsApproximately 52% of respondents had been in medical practice for 10–19 years (mean 15.4 years). All the major medical specialties were represented. Internal Medicine had the highest number of participants (48.3%). With respect to the components of burnout, 5.5% of respondents experienced depersonalisation, 7.8% had a lack of personal achievement and 10.8% experienced emotional exhaustion. The association between burnout and age, sex, years of practice and clinical specialty was not found to be statistically significant.ConclusionThis pilot study has shown burnout to be common amongst physicians in Ghana. It is recommended that further studies are conducted, involving a larger cross-section of doctors in various parts of Africa.
Highlights
Burnout, as defined by Maslach, is a syndrome that involves overwhelming mental and psychological exhaustion, a decreased sense of accomplishment and self-esteem and depersonalisation.[1]
8.3% reported high-level burnout for emotional exhaustion, 20% had high-level burnout for depersonalisation and 10% had high-level burnout for personal achievement (Table 2)
The relationship between years of practice and burnout was not statistically significant (Table 4). The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the prevalence of burnout amongst physicians in Ghana who attended the Annual General Scientific Meeting (AGSM), Ghana Chapter, of the West African College of Physicians (WACP)
Summary
As defined by Maslach, is a syndrome that involves overwhelming mental and psychological exhaustion, a decreased sense of accomplishment and self-esteem and depersonalisation (detachment from the job).[1]. Burnout is multifactorial and often signifies the inability of an individual to cope with work demands and interpersonal stressors at work. Lack of accomplishment may manifest as difficulty coping with work and decreased work productivity.[3,4] Physicians who experience burnout are at risk of suicidal ideation, developing alcohol use disorders and dysfunctional interpersonal and work-related relationships. Adverse effects on quality of care and the risk for medical errors are other important complications that may result from burnout.[5]. Burnout has been reported to be as high as 53% amongst doctors in the United States. If not detected, it can result in prescription errors, work-related accidents, substance abuse and depression
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