Burnout syndrome among health care professionals in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout syndrome, a mental illness caused by stressful work conditions, is prevalent among health professionals. In addition to existing risk factors, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced new ones, such as fear of infection and concern about the availability of personal protective equipment.

Objectives: This study's purpose was to verify the prevalence and correlates of burnout syndrome among health professionals in the context of the pandemic.

Methods: This quantitative study was conducted between April and June 2021 using the Google Forms platform. A semi-structured questionnaire and the Questionário para la Evaluación del Syndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo were applied.

Results: A total of 93 health professionals participated. Those who fought on the frontline against COVID-19 were younger and had less professional experience, longer work hours, daily contact with a greater number of patients, lower scores in the disillusionment dimension, and higher scores in the emotional exhaustion dimension. Significant correlations were found between age and disillusionment, emotional exhaustion, and indolence. Less professional experience was also correlated with psychological distress.

Conclusions: Age and length of experience were significantly associated with burnout, given that younger and less experienced professionals generally worked on the frontline against COVID-19.