Imposter Syndrome in Family Medicine Residents: Prevalence and association with Burnout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Background/Aim: Imposter syndrome (IS), a self-doubt despite achievements, is common in healthcare, affecting 56-82% of professionals and often measured by the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. Burnout, defined by emotional exhaustion and reduced accomplishment, is prevalent in high-stress medical fields like family medicine, impacting both providers and patient care. Research shows IS and burnout are closely linked, with medical residents at higher risk due to training demands. While burnout among family medicine residents in Saudi Arabia is well-documented, data on IS remains limited. This study investigates IS prevalence among Riyadh's family medicine residents and its connection to burnout to guide interventions for improved resident well-being and patient care. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from March to August 2024, targeting family medicine residents (R1, R2, R3) enrolled in certified residency programs. A convenience sampling method was used, with chief residents inviting eligible participants who provided electronic consent. Residents currently enrolled in training were included, while those on leave or not consenting were excluded. Data collection involved a self-administered online questionnaire covering demographics, imposter syndrome (measured by the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale) and burnout (assessed with the Burnout Assessment Tool). Ethical guidelines were followed, with confidentiality maintained and no incentives provided. Statistical analysis in SPSS included descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and linear regression, with significance set at a P-value < 0.05. Results: The study involved 161 family medicine residents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a balanced gender distribution and a mean age of 27.14 years. The Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) indicated that 39.8% had moderate imposter feelings, 28% had frequent, and 11.2% had intense imposter feelings. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-12) showed that 30.4% struggled to recover energy after work, with mental exhaustion being common. A strong positive correlation was observed between imposter syndrome and burnout (r = 0.641). Female residents and those with mental health conditions reported higher imposter syndrome and burnout scores. Regression analysis confirmed burnout as a significant predictor of imposter syndrome, with mental health conditions also being a key factor. Gender and residency level did not significantly affect burnout in the regression models. Conclusion: The study found that 39.8% of family medicine residents experienced moderate imposter syndrome (IS), 28% frequent, and 11.2% intense IS, alongside high levels of burnout, with 30.4% struggling to recover energy after work. A strong correlation (r = 0.641) between IS and burnout was observed, particularly affecting female residents and those with mental health conditions. Burnout and mental health conditions were significant predictors of IS, whereas gender and residency level did not significantly impact burnout.