Prevalence and risk factors associated with burnout syndrome among healthcare workers in Afghanistan
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to identify the prevalence of burnout syndrome (BS) with its subscales of emotional exhausting (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA) among frontline healthcare workers in Afghanistan.Methods: A total of 623 health workers contracted by NGOs participated in a cross-sectional study in ten provinces. A self-administered questionnaire including Maslach Burnout Inventory were used for data collection. Proportions and factors associated with BS were calculated. Epi info v.7 and SPSS v.20 were used for data management.Results:Totally, 264 were females (41.8%); 83% were married and two-third had ≥14 years of education. Half (58%) had monthly income of 130−260−260. The mean age was 32.5 years, by differentiation of 29.4 years in females and 34.9 years in males. Ten (1.6%)declared currently smoking and 5% dissatisfied with their job. Just 13% were doing private business besides current job. Average number of children was 3.4 and average years of experiences was 8.7. Proportion of high EE, DP and PA was 6.3%, 8.3% and 26.6% respectively. At multivariate analysis age, job satisfaction and work pressure were associated with EE; high level of DP was related to age and job satisfaction; and PA was associated with age, work load, work pressure, security and annual vacation. Conclusion: Frontline health workers are affected by various level of burnout syndrome. They should be supported by management with better work environment to prevent problem and provide quality health services.
Keywords
Afghanistan, burnout, depersonalization, health worker, prevalence
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