Prevalence of burnout among KSU medical students

Abstract

Background and aims: Burnout in medical students shows interest that has grown significantly over the last few years. This study’s aim is to know the prevalence of burnout in medical students which will help us to determine if this syndrome is common among medical students and if it needs intervention. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with all medical students who were enrolled in the 2019/2020 year at King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Socio-demographic, burnout level (Maslach Burnout Inventory-General survey for students) data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Studies, Chi-square test was used for categorical variables and univariate logistic regression was used to assess the associated factors with burnout. Results: In this study, 337 students were involved, the response rate was (79.2%). The mean age of the participants was 21.5 ±1.46 years, of whom males were (64.99%) while the females were (35.01%). The level of high burnout founded as (9.8%, n=33), while (25.5%, n=86) of students had high levels of emotional exhaustion, (29.4%, n=99) had high levels of cynicism and (34.4%, n=116) had a low level of professional efficacy. Conclusion: Prevalence of burnout was found to be less than estimated documented studies in the region. Academic year was significantly associated with the level of burnout, especially the third academic year, no statistical significance to the association of burnout with gender and age was found. There is a gap in the literature need to be fulfilled to gain more knowledge about causes and effect of burnout.