The relationship between physical activity and burnout among respiratory therapists in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background/objective Burnout is a condition in which a person feels physically fatigued and mentally drained. It occurs after a long period of work-related stress and may lead to mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Therefore, healthcare providers especially require early intervention. Regular physical activity has been reported to benefit individuals with mental illness, suggesting that a relationship between physical activity and burnout might exist. Hence, this study’s objective was to analyze the relationship between physical activity and burnout among respiratory therapists and student interns in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study with respiratory therapists and interns working in public and private hospitals was conducted from November 2, 2020, to November 27, 2020. Participants responded to an electronic survey consisting of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel, which measures the burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. They also completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Long Form and a demographic questionnaire. Results Among the 250 eligible respiratory therapists and interns, data from the 152 respondents who completed the electronic survey were analyzed. Although no association between physical activity and burnout was found, a significant effect of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on physical activity and significant associations of high burnout (emotional exhaustion) with nationality and smoking were found. Conclusion No association was found between burnout level and physical activity. Confounding factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic during the study’s data collection and analyses, likely contributed to the study’s findings.

The prevalence of burnout among pulmonologists or respiratory therapists pre- and post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The included studies reported a total of 3610 responding individuals, with nine studies presenting the demographic characteristics of their respondent population ( n = 2100, 58%) [ 20 , 22–24 , 26 , 29–31 , 33 ]. The reported mean or median ages ranged from 20 to 40 years old.…”

“…Eight studies reported the risk factors of burnout [ 20 , 23–26 , 30 , 31 , 33 ]. Female pulmonologists or respiratory therapists tended to experience more burnout than their male counterparts [ 20 , 23 , 26 ].…”

“…The coverage system and mental health services were reported to be protective factors from burnout [ 24 ]. Age, academic year and nationality were also found to be significant factors associated with burnout [ 30 , 31 , 33 ].…”