Burnout among Croatian physicians: a cross-sectional national survey

Abstract

Aim To investigate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physicians of all specialties, including residents and non-specialists, on a national level in Croatia. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted in October 2017, used anonymous online survey based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. The Croatian version of the inventory was assessed for acceptability, factorial validity, and reliability. Key dimensions of burnout – emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal accomplishment were assessed. Respondents scoring high for emotional exhaustion or depersonalization were defined as burned-out. Results The response rate was 18% (2557/14 427). Respondents’ median age was 41 years (range 25-80), and 68% (1737/2557) were women. Good sampling adequacy and scale reliability were confirmed. Factorial validity suggested the presence of three overall factors, and no items were eliminated. Sixty-three percent of physicians were burned-out. High score on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment were found in 58%, 29%, and 52% of respondents, respectively. As many as 16% of the respondents simultaneously experienced high levels of all three burnout dimensions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that residents and physicians in tertiary or primary care were at an increased risk of burnout, while physicians working in institutes were at a decreased risk. Conclusion Active national measures are needed to reduce the high prevalence of burnout among Croatian physicians.

Prevalence of burnout among health care workers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

“…Another survey based on MBI, conducted among primary health care providers in the Sarajevo Canton, showed that 25.3% of HCWs experienced a high level of emotional exhaustion and 17.7% experienced depersonalization ( 37 ). Research conducted among physicians in Croatia on a national level before the pandemic showed that 63% of all physicians experienced burnout, and 16% of physicians experienced all three forms of burnout ( 38 ). The research on the levels of burnout syndrome in critical care nurses in Croatia showed that 22.1% of nurses expressed a high level of emotional exhaustion, with a lower level of depersonalization (7.9%), and 34.5% had a low level of personal accomplishment ( 39 ).…”

Oncologist Burnout Syndrome in Eastern Europe: Results of the Multinational Survey

“…This study was conducted initially in Croatia as part of a bigger national project for assessment of burnout among Croatian physicians. 14 It was supported under the auspices of the Croatian Medical Chamber, the independent body that regulates medical practice in Croatia. Given the overwhelming response among physicians in Croatia, a decision was made to expand the study to neighboring countries of Eastern Europe, primarily those that share similar historical and societal postcommunist transition backgrounds.…”

Prevalence of Burnout among Physicians at King Salman Armed Forces Hospital, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia

“…A study done by Vanja Pintarić, et al reported 16% of respondents simultaneously experienced high levels on all three burnout dimensions [15]. Burnout syndrome among physicians was estimated to range from 2.4% to 72% (Roth, et al) [13,14] but much lower than what was estimated in Aldrees, et al which reported a prevalence of 33% [16] Goehring, et al showed prevalence of 4% despite the fact that all the afore mentioned studies used the same criteria for diagnosing burnout syndrome; they reported different results, which can be referred to variations in cultures and health care nature [17].…”