Burnout and dropout intention in medical students: the protective role of academic engagement

Abstract

Introduction The influence of burnout, academic engagement, and their interaction in dropout intention among medical students should be further studied. Current research shows its consequences are relevant, however, there is little understanding on burnout and academic engagement moderation in dropout intention. The current study tested a model that relates the effects of coping strategies, social support satisfaction, general distress on academic engagement, burnout, and dropout intention, on medical students. Methods Through an online survey a non-probabilistic sample of one Medical Faculty's 1st- and 2nd-year students was recruited. Cross-sectional data were collected using psychometric instruments (Maslach Burnout Inventory – Student Survey, Social Support Satisfaction Scale for College Students, Brief COPE Scale for College Students, University Student Engagement Inventory, and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), sociodemographic and academic variables, and analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results 532 students (76% response rate) enrolled in the study. Latent variables structural model presented a satisfactory fit to the data and confirmed the expected negative path between burnout and dropout intention (βDI<-SB=0.430; p<.001) and the latent moderation burnout x engagement (βDI<-SB*SE=-0.218; p<.001). Conclusion Academic engagement attenuates the impact of burnout on dropout intention, working as a protective factor. Social support satisfaction and adaptive coping are associated with increased levels of academic engagement, and general distress and maladaptive coping are associated with burnout. Medical Schools should develop interventions to prevent dropout intention, tackle students' stress and academic challenges, and develop their academic engagement levels.

Motives and Barriers for Regular Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)

“…The results of our research indicate that faculty obligations were the strongest barrier for medical students, concerning regular PA. Due to the particularity of the major of medicine, the course and practice trainings for medical students can be physically and emotionally demanding [ 58 ]. Thus, the faculty obligations facing medical students, including academic requirements, the nature of the contents, the heavy workload, and the exams, are larger than other university students [ 59 , 60 ], which could lead to the difficulty in finding time to participate in regular PA. Similar to our study, the results of a study by Likus et al [ 61 ], show that workload is the biggest barrier to PA for Polish medical students.…”

“Lessons from the pandemic: How can we enhance surgical training in undergraduate education?"

“…Academic engagement has been shown to be an important protective factor against burnout and dropout intention at medical school [ 4 ]; a poor surgical placement has the potential for fewer students to choose surgery down the line or, even more sadly, for students to drop out of medicine entirely having not found their “niche”. [ 3 , 30 , 31 ] This is in the face of a growing backlog of surgeries and therefore a greater need for surgeons and doctors. As such, any enhancement to surgical education for undergraduates needs to consider preventing disinterest and burnout.…”

The Impact of Global Health Outreach Experiences on Medical Student Burnout

“…Burnout in medical students may have signi cant impacts, leading to a decline in mental health manifested by suicidal ideation [6-8], substance abuse [9], and depression [10]. Other consequences may include decreased empathy [11][12], worsening professional conduct [12] and nancial loss for schools through student dropout [12][13]. The presence of burnout in students persists during transition into clinical training and residency, and can ultimately lead to suboptimal patient care through increased medical errors, and decreased pro ciency [6] [14] [15].…”