The effective coping strategies against burnout: Perceptions of Pakistani medical students.

Abstract

To explore effective coping strategies used by medical students against burnout. The mixed method study was conducted at the Al Mizan campus of Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from March to August 2018, and comprised fourth and fifth year medical students of both genders. Data was collected using the Maslach burnout inventory, which was followed by focus group discussions. Data was analysed using inductive approach. Of the respondents, 34(23.4%) were males and 111(76.5%) were females. Overall, 84 out of 151 (56%) students scored high on emotional exhaustion scale, 35 (23%) scored moderate and 32 (21%) scored low. On the cynicism scale, 93 (63%) out of 147 scored high, 47 (32%) scored moderate and 7 (5%) scored low. On professional efficacy, 42 out of 149 (28%) students scored low,74(50%) moderate and 33(22%) scored high. Seeking emotional support for coping was very common. Parents played the main role in providing support to the students. Turning to religion, acceptance and venting were also common coping strategies. Emotional exhaustion and cynicism were found in majority of the sample comprising medical students, seeking emotional support was common as a coping strategy.