Analysis of the Risk and Protective Roles of Work-Related and Individual Variables in Burnout Syndrome in Nurses

María Del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes,María Del Mar Molero Jurado,José Jesús Gázquez Linares,África Martos Martínez

doi:10.3390/su11205745

María Del Carmen Pérez-Fuentes, María Del Mar Molero Jurado + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su11205745

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Abstract

Aims: Burnout syndrome is a phenomenon that is becoming ever more widespread, especially in workers such as nurses who have heavy workloads and time pressures. The progression of burnout syndrome has been shown to be related to both individual and work-related variables. The objective of this study is to examine the risk and protective roles played by work-related and personal variables, both sociodemographic and psychological, in the development of burnout in nurses. Method: The sample was composed of 1236 nurses aged between 21 and 57 years, with a mean age of 31.50 years (SD = 6.18). Women accounted for 84.5% (n = 1044), and the remaining 15.5% (n = 192) were men. Exploratory tests were performed to understand the relationships between burnout and other variables, and a binary logistic regression was conducted to understand the roles of these variables in the incidence of this syndrome. Lastly, a regression tree was constructed. Results: The results show that the sociodemographic variables examined are not related to the level of burnout in nurses. However, certain work-related variables, such as spending more time with colleagues and patients and reporting good-quality relationships, exhibit a negative relationship with the occurrence of burnout. Of the psychological variables, the stress factors conflict-social acceptance and irritability-tension-fatigue, as well as informative communication, are shown to be risk factors for the appearance of burnout in nurses. In contrast, the communication skills factor, empathy, and energy-joy exert a protective function. Conclusion: Identifying the variables that influence the occurrence of burnout syndrome and understanding the manner in which they exert their influence are key elements in the development of effective prevention and intervention of burnout in nursing.

Highlights

In recent years, we have witnessed increasing concern in the healthcare community about workplace performance, which has led to numerous studies on its related pathologies and characteristics [1].Burnout syndrome refers to a type of response that appears in the presence of emotional and interpersonal stressors in the workplace [2]
The results of the frequency analysis for the presence or absence of burnout syndrome show that 17.7% (n = 219) of the nurses scored 25 or higher, and 82.3% (n = 1017) of them scored lower
In terms of psychological variables, our results show a negative association between burnout loanwdervlaervioeulss ofafcbtourrsnoouf tebmeoctaiounsael itinatlelloliwgesncfeor[b49r,i5e6f],pesreilof‐defsfiocafcpyh[y3s6i]c, asloacniadl esmupoptoiortna[4l6r]e, covery [27,28]. commInunteicramtiosnosfkpilslsyc[4h1o],loangdicsaellfv‐easrtieaebmle[s3,3o].uHrorweseuvletrs, isnhtohwe paernceegivaetdivsetraessssosccaialet,iowne bfoeutwndeaen burnout and various factors of emotional intelligence [49,56], self-efficacy [36], social support [46], communication skills [41], and self-esteem [33]

Summary

Introduction

Burnout syndrome refers to a type of response that appears in the presence of emotional and interpersonal stressors in the workplace [2]. This syndrome is defined by feelings of detachment from work, emotional fatigue, and feelings of work inefficiency [3]. The prevalence of this syndrome is estimated to be around 30% in healthcare professionals [6] This percentage is similar to that found in nursing professionals in other countries [7,8]. Absenteeism, the intention to leave the job, and the deterioration of personal and family relationships are some of the most common consequences of this syndrome, and they occur in a similar manner among health professionals from different countries and cultures [11]. Understanding the variables that influence its prevention, development, and treatment is crucial from the perspectives of public health and the organizations themselves, which seek to reduce absenteeism and increase productivity [13]

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Conclusion