The association between physicians’presenteeism and job burnout: a cross-sectional survey study in China

Abstract

Background: Research shows that physicians often report job burnout and have a high level of presenteeism, but few studies concerns the relationship between job burnout and presenteeism. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between physicians’ presenteeism and three dimensions of job burnout in China, and to identify aspects that can help alleviate presenteeism. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving physicians in second-and third-class medical institutions was conducted in the interior of China. Using a single presenteeism questionnaire and a 15-item Chinese version of the BMI-GS questionnaire, this study investigated prevalence of physicians' presenteeism behavior and job burnout in three dimensions, and determined the relationship between presenteeism and job burnout by logistical model. Results: Relationships between presenteeism and three dimensions of job burnout were explored, and the influence of demography and work factors were evaluated. The survey was completed by 1376/1547 hospital doctors, with a response rate of 88.9%. 30.7%(n=422) of the subjects reported having presenteeism behavior. Using MBI-GS, 86.8%(n=1195) of physicians were moderately burnout and 6.0%(n=82) were severely job burnout. Logistic regression analysis showed that physicians with moderate, severe emotional exhaustion and severe cynicism were more likely to engage in presenteeism (all p < 0.05). In addition, two other work-related factors, including the physician's department and position, were also more likely to influence their presenteeism (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: At present, there is quite presenteeism among physicians in the second-and third-class medical institutions in China, which is significantly related to emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Considering the modifiable job-related factors, health care institutions must take appropriate measures to relieve physicians' job burnout, help them adjust their self-awareness properly, and ensure occupational mental health to alleviate the prevalence of presenteeism. Keywords: presenteeism, job burnout, emotional exhaustion, cynicism, physicians