Burnout risks in Bangladeshi Physicians: A multicenter, cross-sectional study

Abstract

Physician burnout is a global concern that can lead to exhaustion, ineffectiveness, and poor health outcomes. Burnout has been linked to a variety of societal and professional variables worldwide. This cross-sectional, multi-centered study was conducted by face-to-face interviews between April 2019 and December 2021 at sixty-two (62) tertiary level hospitals to identify potential risk factors for burnout among Bangladeshi physicians, which is essential for preventing adverse impact on their well-being, improving overall quality of life, and facilitating measures to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. A simple random sampling technique in conjunction with a structured questionnaire was used to collect a total of 1434 responses, assuming 20 % of the sample as non-responsive. Univariate, bivariate, and multinomial logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and associate the level of severity. The distribution of burnout status differs significantly at distinct covariate levels, such as working place, working hour, prevalence of potential interpersonal conflicts (subsequent increase of adjusted odds ratios i.e.; 6.52, 8.82, 11.41, and 37.07 is observed for physicians having interpersonal conflicts with both co-workers & family members), job dissatisfaction, annoyed feeling while dealing with patients (adjusted odds ratios are 529.68, 518.26,983.87 and 849.57 respectively) and some other significant factors of the physicians. This study also reveals that the female physicians, physicians with age 40–49, physicians with additional liabilities, physicians with job dissatisfaction, less salary compared to the workload, less flexibility and security at the job sector as well as obese physicians are at high risk of burnout. These results are statistically significant with a p value ≤ 0.05. To reduce burnout of Bangladeshi physicians, it is necessary to address the risk factors, create supportive workplaces, maintain a healthy work-life balance, provide opportunities for self-care, and promote mental health.