Burnout and metabolic syndrome among healthcare workers: Is subclinical hypothyroidism a mediator?

Abstract

Objectives Evidence suggests that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with burnout and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We examined the relationship between burnout and MetS among healthcare workers (HCWs) and investigated the potential mediation of SCH. Methods This cross‐sectional study included HCWs from a tertiary medical center; demographic data were obtained using a questionnaire. Burnout was evaluated according to the Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Health Services Survey (MBI–HSS). MetS and thyroid function data were obtained from a physical check‐up. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR), and mediation analysis was employed to examine the mediation effect. Results Among 945 non‐doctor/nurse and 1868 doctor/nurse staff, MetS was 30% and 14%, respectively, and the prevalence of burnout was nearly 6.5%. The results showed that burnout induced higher aOR of MetS in the doctor/nurse group (1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05‐3.62). Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) showed a positive association factor of MetS in doctor/nurse group‐adjusted burnout (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01‐4.19). A higher TSH level was associated with an increased odds of MetS in younger doctor/nurse staff with burnout syndrome (aOR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.04‐3.22). There was a borderline significant mediation effect of SCH in the association between burnout and MetS in doctor/nurse staff. Conclusions The results showed that higher TSH levels were positively associated with burnout and MetS in doctor/nurse professionals, especially in the young cohort. Burnout may rely on the borderline mediation effect of SCH, which is likely to affect MetS.

Shift work and the risk for metabolic syndrome among healthcare workers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Therefore, future research should focus on creating intervention measures to reduce the incidence of MetS among shift workers. Research suggests that MetS is caused due to several underlying risk factors, including environmental, behavioral, genetic, 67 and hormonal variables 68 . Therefore, future policies and interventions should be planned to change these aspects (Table S2).…”

“…Research suggests that MetS is caused due to several underlying risk factors, including environmental, behavioral, genetic, 67 and hormonal variables. 68 Therefore, future policies and interventions should be planned to change these aspects (Table S2). As body composition and epigenetics are predictors of MetS, 69 it is recommended that employees be screened at the time of hiring based on their family disease history and BMI to determine their fit for shift work.…”

Burnout Syndrome in Intensive Care Professionals in the Context of the Covid-19 Pandemic in a City in Northeast Brazil

“…Furthermore, long working hours have caused health professionals, belonging to the freight line to combat Covid-19, the emergence or worsening of stress and physical and psychological exhaustion, and consequently BS (BARBA et al, 2021). The term Burnout is a combination of burn and out, characterizing stress that physically and emotionally consumes the individual, leading to aggressive and irritated behavior resulting from an exhausting work situation (TEODORO, 2012).…”