Burnout among medical students in Cyprus: A cross-sectional study.

Antonios Nteveros,Panagiotis Zis,Marios Kyprianou,Kallistheni Christoforaki,Artemios Artemiadis,Stephanos Cheilidis,Orestis Germanos,Antrianthi Charalampous,Panagiotis Bargiotas,Andreas Chatzittofis,Stephan Doering

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0241335

Abstract

ObjectivesThe primary aim was to estimate the burnout prevalence among all medical students at the Medical School of the University of Cyprus. Secondary aims were to ascertain the predictors of burnout and its relationship with lifestyle habits, sleep quality and mental health.BackgroundBurnout in the healthcare sector has drawn significant scientific attention over the last few years. Recent research underscored the large burden of profession-related burnout among medical students.Materials and methodsAn anonymous questionnaire was administered to all 189 eligible candidates. This included demographic and lifestyle characteristics. Sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, mental health was assessed via the mental health (MH) domain of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS).ResultsOverall response rate was 96.3%. The burnout prevalence was 18.1%. There was a significant linear effect of between the year of studies and the burnout frequency [F(1) = 5.09, p = 0.024], implying that with increasing academic year there were more students with burnout, especially after the 4th year of education which signifies the beginning of clinical education. Students with burnout were more likely to have poor sleep quality (90.9% vs. 60.8%, odds ratio 4.33, p = 0.023) and worse mental health (MH score 40.2 ± 17.7 vs 62.9 ± 20.3, p<0.001). Alcohol consumers had more symptoms of cynicism and less feelings of efficacy than non-alcohol consumers. Moreover, less feelings of efficacy were significantly associated with more alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers.ConclusionsBurnout is prevalent in medical students and increases significantly during the clinical years. Students with burnout have worse sleep and mental health and might use alcohol as a coping mechanism. Implementing prevention strategies of burnout may be beneficial.

Highlights

Burnout is conceptualised as a consequence of inadequately managed chronic workplace stress
Sleep quality was assessed via the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, mental health was assessed via the mental health (MH) domain of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS)
Students with burnout were more likely to have poor sleep quality (90.9% vs. 60.8%, odds ratio 4.33, p = 0.023) and worse mental health (MH score 40.2 ± 17.7 vs 62.9 ± 20.3, p

Summary

Introduction

Burnout is conceptualised as a consequence of inadequately managed chronic workplace stress. It is characterized by a triad of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation regarding the person’s occupation and a feeling of reduced personal accomplishment. Depersonalisation (DP) is characterised by a negative, cynical, and detached response to the people including colleagues and supervisors. Occupational burnout syndrome was not listed as a legitimate syndrome in the widely accepted classification systems. In 2019 burnout was officially included in the ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon but not as a medical condition [1]. Burnout in the healthcare sector has drawn significant scientific attention over the last few years. Recent research underscored the large burden of profession-related burnout among medical students

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion