Burnout Among Social Workers in Social Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct, for the first time, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the level of burnout among social workers in the social services sector and to identify factors associated with burnout among them. Using PRISMA guidelines, searches were carried out from January 1, 1990 through January 10, 2024. Exclusively primary studies implementing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire for diagnosing burnout were included in the review. In total, data were extracted from 24 studies, including 16,962 social services workers from seven countries. The random-effects pooled prevalence estimate of burnout was 20% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13–27%). Pooled Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and lack of Personal Accomplishment (PA) were 50% (95% CI 38–62%), 45% (95% CI 34–64%), and 39% (95% CI 26–52%), respectively. Several variables emerged as significantly associated with higher prevalence of burnout, including older age, lower response rate, and studies conducted outside Europe. Overall, the current review demonstrated that approximately half of the social workers in the social services sector experienced burnout. A uniform diagnostic tool for the assessment of burnout is warranted, and further studies on burnout in lower- and middle-income countries are suggested.