Burnout among Clinical and Non-clinical Academics during the Implementation of Remote Teaching and Learning due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The extent of burnout among clinical and non-clinical academics during the COVID-19 pandemic is not well gauged and necessitates further attention. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of burnout among academics in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Kuantan campus, and the associated sociodemographic and occupational-related factors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between March and May 2021 using questionnaires adapted from Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and General Stressor Questionnaire at the IIUM, Kuantan campus. Results: 57 clinical and 93 non-clinical academics responded to the survey. The prevalence of significant burnout was 49%. Compared to non-clinical academics, clinical academics had a significantly higher proportion of burnout with a p-value of <0.001, particularly in work-related, student-related, and superior-related burnout domains, with a p-value of 0.004, <0.001, and 0.006, respectively. Factors significantly associated with burnout among our cohort were clinical work, chronic illness, and gender, each with an odds ratio of 2.72 (95% CI = 1.01,7.34), 2.81 (95% CI = 1.14, 6.92), and 4.86 (95% CI = 2.15, 10.9). Conclusion: Burnout was highly prevalent among academics in the IIUM Kuantan campus, particularly among clinical academics during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of remote teaching and learning policy.

Assessment of burnout, resilience, and thriving among academic health professionals: findings from an international study

“…Each subscale consisted of six statements. Answers are based on a five-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Scores are interpreted by summing the total score of the subscale and dividing it by six (i.e., the number of statements) to get the mean value.…”

“…Worldwide, the prevalence of burnout and emotional distress among academicians is relatively high, affecting over one-third of the population (3,4). Furthermore, a high proportion of burnout tends to be affected by work type, chronic disease, and gender, reflecting other dimensions of this issue in academia (5).…”

“…Several possible risk factors may predispose health field academics to burnout and stress, such as increased workload, a persistent requirement to secure research grants, reduced resources for self-development, and increased demands on building capacities to cope with the ongoing trend to maintain e-learning activities (3,5). Burnout is attributed mainly to the work environment, demands, and struggle to achieve work-life balance (8).…”