Nurses’ burnout and its associated factors in Tigray Region,North Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Burnout has become one of the main problems in all health systems and nurses in all nursing jobs are subjected to burnout.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the magnitude, levels of burnout and its associated factors of nurses working in general hospitals of Tigray Region, North Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design among 634 nurses from March 2018 to June 2019 was conducted. A clustered random sample technique was used. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

The proportion of burnout among the nurses was 41.10%. The 18.10%, 16.10% and 26% of nurses were with high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced levels of personal accomplishment respectively. The 5–9 years of work experience, working in a surgical unit, and working night shifts were protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that a high proportion of nurses suffered from job burnout. There is a high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment in their job. This study also showed that there is a significant association between factors such as service year, working in surgical units, night shift assignment and job burnout. It is recommended counseling, burnout coping programs and clinical services policy for nurses. All level managers should plan for nurses’ incentives; continuing education, training and regular shift rotations and set nurse recognition policies, and recreational and relaxation programs to increase nurses’ motivation. Future studies in primary and tertiary hospitals using a longitudinal design.