Prevalence and Factors Associated with Burnout Syndrome among Resident Doctors at Tertiary Teaching Hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Edwin Rwebugisa Lugazia,Respicious Lwezimula Boniface,Asha Abdullah,Happiness Charles Sway

doi:10.4236/ijcm.2022.131003

Edwin Rwebugisa Lugazia, Respicious Lwezimula Boniface + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4236/ijcm.2022.131003

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Abstract

Introduction: Burnout syndrome is prevalent to a great extent among medical residents, and this can interfere with their training and patient management. However, the extent of the problem is still unknown in our setting. This study therefore aimed at determining prevalence and factors associated with burnout syndrome among resident doctors at tertiary teaching hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Method: A cross-sectional study of resident doctors was carried out in four teaching hospitals of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences between January 2021 and March 2021. Participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: The study had 398 participants with a mean age of 35 ± 3.5 years. Overall burnout prevalence was 33.7%, as for the burnout dimensions, 205 (51.5%) respondents reported burnout in the dimension of emotional exhaustion (EE), 177 (44.5%) in the dimension of depersonalization (D), and 144 (36.2%) in the dimension of reduced personal accomplishment (RPA). Independent factors associated with burnout syndrome were: inadequate support from residency program supervisors (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% CI: 1.23 - 3.14, p = 0.005), work-related family conflicts (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% CI: 1.35 - 7.71, p = 0.008), stressful call perception (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.31, 95% CI: 1.90 - 5.76, p = 0.001) and each added year of study (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.46, 95% CI: 1.08 - 6.73, p = 0.009). Conclusion: Burnout is a problem among resident doctors in Tanzania. This could be addressed by directing preventive and intervention measures in the residency training program. Periodic assessment is also needed to mitigate factors associated with burnout among resident doctors.

Highlights

Burnout syndrome is prevalent to a great extent among medical residents, and this can interfere with their training and patient management
Periodic assessment is needed to mitigate factors associated with burnout among resident doctors
The prevalence reported in this study is almost similar to what has been reported in other studies done elsewhere, the implication on health services delivery in Tanzania may be more serious taking into account that, resident doctors form the major part of health care delivery across tertiary hospitals in the country due to low doctor to patient ratio situation facing the country

Summary

Introduction

Burnout syndrome is prevalent to a great extent among medical residents, and this can interfere with their training and patient management. Burnout syndrome among health care professionals has become a serious health problem and the mental health of doctors is an issue of growing concern all over the world as it frequently interferes with their professional training and responsibilities [3]. Among practicing physicians, it has reached epidemic levels with a prevalence that approximates 50% [4]. The condition is well associated with negative physiological, cognitive, psychological, and behavioral manifestations which create severe pressure on the whole health care system threatening patients’ care and safety It is not a sign of weakness, mental illness, or inability to cope with life and it can be treated, and prevented [5]

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