Assessment of burnout in medical students using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey: A cross-sectional data analysis

Abstract

Background: Medical student burnout can cause emotional and physical exhaustion and detachment. The objectives of this study were to evaluate burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS), identify factors that may predict burnout, and assess wellness initiatives effectiveness at reducing burnout. Methods: The MBI-SS was administered to all medical students (Classes 2019 to 2022) at the University of Illinois College of Medicine (UICOM) from February to May 2019. Factor analysis and internal consistency of the MBI-SS were assessed. Mean MSBI-SS subscale scores for burnout were calculated for cynicism (CY), emotional exhaustion (EE), and academic efficacy (AE). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify student factors that may predict burnout.Results: A total of 273 (21.6%) UICOM students completed the survey and 110 (40.3%) respondents reported self-perceived burnout. MBI-SS subscale scores were significantly higher for CY and EE, and significantly lower for AE in students who reported suffering from burnout versus students who did not report burnout. Mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in burnout students were 14.44 ± 5.59, 23.23 ± 4.74, and 24.81 ± 5.35, respectively. In comparison, mean ± SD subscale scores for CY, EE, and AE in non-burnout students were 7.59 ± 5.16, 14.96 ± 5.71, and 28.74 ± 3.21, respectively. Regression analysis denoted significant associations between burnout and being out-of-phase in the curriculum, the effectiveness of wellness initiatives, and strength of motivation for medical school (SMMS) in both the two- and three-dimensional MBI-SS models. Gender was significantly associated with burnout in only the two-dimensional model.Conclusions: Self-reported burnout in medical students at UICOM was validated using the MBI-SS. Being out-of-phase in the curriculum, being female, rating wellness initiatives as less effective, and demonstrating lower motivation for continued medical school education may be used as predictors of medical student burnout. This investigation may act as a guide for measuring burnout in medical student populations and how the implementation of wellness initiatives may ameliorate burnout.

Academic burnout, self-esteem, coping with stress and gratitude among Polish medical students – a cross sectional study

“…Similar tendency regarding burnout in medical students was observed in other universities all over the world -from 7.1% up to 37.5% was reported in studies using MBI-SS questionnaire, which is still quite difficult to compare due to individual country cut off values and different approach to the burnout syndrome diagnosis criteria [14][15][16][17]. Comparing the mean values of particular subscales though showed the Lublin results being amongst the highest [14,[18][19][20]. Testing medical students with other MBI versions showed comparable results -from 10% up to 47.8% [21][22][23][24][25].…”

Prevalence of burnout in medical students: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…A total of 42 studies involving 26,824 students were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis (Aghajani Liasi et al, 2021; Al-Jehani et al, 2020; Alkhamees et al, 2020; Almalki et al, 2017; Altannir et al, 2019; Asghar et al, 2019; Barbosa et al, 2018; Bolatov et al, 2021; Cecil et al, 2014; Chang et al, 2012; Chin et al, 2016; Danilewitz et al, 2018; Dyrbye et al, 2007, 2008, Dyrbye, Massie, et al, 2010, 2011, 2014; Erschens et al, 2018; Fares, Al Tabosh et al, 2016; Fitzpatrick et al, 2019; Galán et al, 2011; Gatell et al, 2017; Ilic et al, 2021; Jordan et al, 2020; Khosravi, 2021; Lee et al, 2020; Morgan et al, 2020; Muzafar et al, 2015; Nteveros et al, 2020; Obregon et al, 2020; Pharasi & Patra, 2020; Popa-Velea et al, 2017; Rudinskaitė et al, 2020; Shadid et al, 2020; Shokrpour et al, 2020; Shrestha et al, 2021; Tucker et al, 2017; van Venrooij et al, 2017; Vidhukumar & Hamza, 2020; Voltmer et al, 2010; Zhang et al, 2021; Zis et al, 2021). The studies came from twenty-two countries: USA n = 9, (21 %); KSA n = 5, (12 %); Iran n = 3, (7 %); Canada n = 3, (7 %); China n = 2, (5 %); Cyprus n = 2, (5 %); India n = 2, (5 %); Pakistan n = 2, (5 %); Brazil n = 1, (2 %); Germany n = 1, (2 %); Germany n = 1, (2 %); Ireland n = 1, (2 %); Kazakhstan n = 1, (2 %); Lebanon n = 1, (2 %); Malaysia n = 1, (2 %); Multi n = 1, (2 %); Nepal n = 1, (2 %); Netherlands n = 1, (2 %); Romania n = 1, (2 %); Serbia n = 1, (2 %); Spain n = 1, (2 %); and UK n = 1, (2 %).…”

Burnout Among Nephrologists in the United States: A Survey Study

“… 27 Similar results have been demonstrated in other studies. 28 Because our respondents were predominantly male, the data might have been underpowered to detect statistically significant differences in burnout by sex, although it is also plausible that burnout is not differentially affected by sex in nephrology. There is mixed evidence regarding associations between age and burnout.…”