Prevalence And Pattern Of Burnout Syndrome Among Nigerian Physiotherapists.

Abstract

Background: Burnout syndrome in the health worker is defined as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion caused by long term involvement in situations that are emotionally demanding. Purpose: This study determined the prevalence and pattern of Burnout syndrome among Nigerian physiotherapists. Method: The study design was a survey, using disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. Two hundred and one (201) physiotherapists completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory which contained questions related to Burnout syndrome. Result: The Prevalence and Pattern of Burnout syndrome is as follows: 66.2% reported high level of emotional exhaustions (EE) 65.2% reported high level of depersonalization (DP) while 75.6% reported high level of decrease in personal accomplishment (PA). 11.9% reported moderate level of EE, 16.4% reported moderate level of DP while 9.0% reported moderate level of decrease in PA. 21.9% reported low level low level of EE, 18.4% reported low level of DP while 15.4% reported low level of decrease in PA. Males and females presented with EE levels of 36.0 and 32.7 respectively, PA of 25.61 and 23.75 respectively and DP of 13.56 and 13.86 respectively. Conclusion: it can be concluded that Nigerian physiotherapist are highly Burnout. Conducive and comfortable working environment should be created for them and perhaps more physiotherapists should be trained to meet up with the ever growing population of the country.