Prevalence and risk factors of burnout syndrome among public health personnel in the Errachidia Province (Morocco)

Abstract

Background

Public health workers in the Errachidia province (Morocco) are confronted with a multitude of professional challenges that may precipitate burnout syndrome (BOS). Nevertheless, epidemiological studies in Morocco investigating this syndrome and its associated risk factors remain limited.

Objective

To identify burnout syndrome characteristics among health staff and investigate the main factors associated with the development of this syndrome.

Methods

An exhaustive cross-sectional study was implemented, with a target group of 750 health personnel. The Maslach Burnout Inventory test was used to assess burnout status. Binary Logistic regression was applied to estimate the risks associated with various socio-demographic, economic, and work-related environmental factors. The study was carried out in early 2019.

Results

Among the 503 health personnel employed in public establishments who completed the distributed and validated forms (response rate = 67.1%), a noteworthy prevalence of burnout (63.22%) was identified. This prevalence signifies a genuine state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion among medical and paramedical staff in the study area. The final adjusted logistic model revealed a significant association between burnout and the urban setting, female gender, and nursing profession. Furthermore, our findings indicated that, despite some autonomy, health workers experienced a lack of recognition from the hierarchy, and operated in understaffed structures with a predominant focus on medical rather than social tasks. Such conditions increase the burnout risk.

Conclusions

The status of burnout among healthcare professionals is determined by a complex interplay of risk and protective factors. Effective management strategies are essential to improve the well-being of this population.