Burnout and its associated factors among medical students of Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its associated factors among medical students at Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 440 randomly selected medical students at Jazan University. The questionnaire used for this study was based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Findings The overall prevalence of burnout was estimated at 60.2% (95% CI 55.6–64.8). The prevalence was higher for females (64.1%) than for males (56.2%) but without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). On average, the students scored the highest averages in the personal burnout category, followed by the study-related and client-related burnout categories. In the multivariate analysis, a lower age (beta = −3.17, p = 0.026), female (beta = −0.896, p = 0.016), and having better burnout knowledge (beta = 0.710, p = 0.025) predict significantly higher personal burnout. Practical implications It is necessary to implement strategies to reduce the incidence of burnout among medical students for the sake of a better quality of life for future doctors. Originality/value There is a high prevalence of burnout among Jazan’s medical students.

Prevalence of Burnout in Healthcare Specialties: A Systematic Review Using Copenhagen and Maslach Burnout Inventories

“…Tables 2 and 3 show that a significant difference in CBI between genders is recorded in studies conducted in different countries [ 29 , 32 , 34 , 37 ], but not in studies among populations from Saudi Arabia and Egypt [ 29 , 31 ]. Also, CBI recognizes a significant difference between the types and subscales of burnout among studies carried out in South Africa and Malaysia [ 26 , 27 ].…”

“…Also, MBI is significantly different between genders in published research [ 41 , 44 , 47 , 55 – 57 ], and was found to be higher among females in studies conducted in countries such as the Netherlands [ 28 , 30 ], USA, Lebanon, and Romania [ 55 , 57 ]. Two studies recorded that males have higher burnout rates than females [ 34 , 47 ], which can be attributed to genetics and socio-economic statuses of those countries. As the educational attainment increases, burnout increases among participants from different countries and populations [ 30 , 34 , 35 , 40 , 54 , 63 ].…”

“…Thirteen studies used CBI: 6 were conducted in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, 3 studies were conducted in Asia, and others were from Europe and other countries. Table 2 summarizes the characteristics of the selected CBI papers [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38]. Twenty-eight studies used MBI: 12 were from Europe, 9 were from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, 6 were from the USA and Canada, and 1 was from Asia.…”

“…Quality criteria Aljuhayman et al [33] Mahfouz et al [34] Alsulimani et al [35] Chalikkandy et al [36] Antoniadou [37] Fiabane et al [38] Total/ percentage Is hypothesis/aim/objective of study clearly described?…”

Burnout syndrome among medical students in Kazakhstan

“…Academic burnout is more common among medical students and affects their mental health, academic performance and interpersonal relationships [ 11 , 12 ]. Increasing stress associated with lengthy learning processes and the academic environment, which presents students with many challenges [ 13 ]. Such consequences of emotional burnout can be considered depression and poor psychosomatic state [ 14 , 15 ].…”