Incidence of and factors associated with the burnout syndrome among Brazilian cancer physicians

Abstract

8143 Background: The burnout syndrome can be characterized by abnormalities in three domains: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and lack of personal realization (RP). In the medical profession, oncologists are especially prone to this syndrome. This study aims at evaluating its prevalence among cancer physicians in Brazil and correlate it to their demographic, work related variables as well as search for possible solutions to prevent it. Methods: In this prospective study we sent 3 questionnaires (Maslach burnout inventory, general and opinion questionnaires) by mail to all 645 members of the Brazilian Cancer Society. We defined burnout as proposed by Grunfeld as moderate or severe dysfunction in all three aforementioned domains. We evaluated correlations between the presence of burnout and the other variables by univariate and multiple logistic regression. Results: We received 136 responses (21%) after 10 weeks. The burnout syndrome was present at moderate or severe levels in all 3 analyzed dimensions in 15,7% (95% CI: 9,62 to 21,78%) of the surveyed physicians. For each domain, we analyzed the frequency of moderate or severe dysfunction and they were present in 55,8% for EE, 96,1% for DP and 23,4% for PR. Physical activity or having a hobby correlated significantly with lower levels of EE (p=0,008), and work restricted only to the private sector correlated with higher DP scores (p=0,021). By univariate logistic regression younger age (p = 0.002), female sex (p=0,004), number of patients seen per day (p = 0.013) and lack of family support (p=0,025) correlated significantly with burnout. By multiple logistic regression only lack of family support correlated significantly (p = 0.05) with the presence of burnout. Cancer physicians pointed out that less paper work (73,5%) and a lower patient load (72,7%) were the most important factors to prevent this syndrome. Conclusions: Burnout syndrome is frequent among brazilian cancer physicians and further studies should be conducted to try to decrease its occurrence by attempting to modify variables that may predispose physicians to it. No significant financial relationships to disclose.