Burnout in medical students: Examining the prevalence and predisposing factors during the four years of medical school

Abstract

Study objectives: Burnout has been demonstrated to various extent in residents, practicing physicians, and department chairs. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of burnout and contributing factors in medical students. Methods: The design was a survey of medical students at 1 top-ranked medical school. We surveyed 249 medical students using a modified Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Resources Survey. The survey also included an evaluation of stressors, assessment of workload, relaxation, control, accomplishment, support systems, and demographics. The response rate was 82%. Statistical analysis was performed using χ 2 and t test for univariate analysis. Factors significant on univariate analysis were entered in the multiple logistic regression. Results: A high degree of burnout was demonstrated in 2% of the first-year class, 15% of the second-year class, and 10% of the third-year class. A moderate or high degree of burnout was seen in 22% of the first-year class, 37% of the second-year class, and 41% of the third-year class. On univariate analysis, lower levels of support from administration, faculty, friends, family, and classmates were significantly associated with burnout ( P P Conclusion: We found a moderate amount of burnout reported across medical students groups, with the highest percentage during the third year. The data suggest that burnout progressively develops during the course of medical education, with the total amount of time spent studying and working as a contributing factor, whereas support and less response to stressors decreased burnout.