Burnout syndrome among medical students in Kazakhstan

Abstract

This study aims at investigating burnout and associated factors in a sample of medical students from Astana Medical University (AMU), using the Russian version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory - Student Survey (R-CBI-S), which was validated in the current study. 771 medical students responded. The study included socio-demographic and personal questions, and a tool to measure burnout. Statistical analyses included test-retest reliability, internal consistency, item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis for validation and measures of descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis for evaluating burnout. The R-CBI-S demonstrated good reliability and validity. The test-retest reliability showed an ICC of 0.81. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.94. R-CBI-S achieved good levels of goodness-of-fit indices (RMSEA = 0.0611; CFI = 0.940; TLI = 0.933). Overall, 28% of medical students reported burnout; R-CBI-S mean score was 40. There is no significant gender difference in burnout. On regression analysis, to be a 2nd year student, compare to dormitory students live at home or rented a house, having suicidal ideation, having thoughts of dropping out, having interpersonal relationship problems with family or friends, smoking, using alcohol were independently associated with increased risk for burnout. Enrolling in a medical university by its own decision and having satisfaction with academic performance associated with a decreasing of developing burnout syndrome. In conclusion, the test results indicated the R-CBI-S scale appears to be a reliable and valid instrument. Factors associated with burnout were identified.