Exploring the correlation between nocturnal awakenings and occupational burnout in internal medicine physicians via online survey.

Abstract

This study aims to screen for occupational burnout among internal medicine physicians through an online survey, and to explore the relationship between burnout and anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep. The findings are expected to help improve the mental and physical health of physicians, thereby enhancing the medical quality in hospitals. Maslach burnout inventory-general survey (MBI-GS) was used to assess physicians' burnout status, Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire (MSQ) was used to evaluate the job satisfaction, Generalized anxiety disorder 7 (GAD-7), Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Perceived stress scale (PSS) were used to assess the psychological status, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep conditions. Frequent nocturnal awakenings significantly increase the risk of occupational burnout, but the impact differs by gender. For men, nocturnal awakenings ≤ 2 times/week do not significantly increase the burnout risk, while ≥ 3 times/week significantly increase the risk. For women, 1 or more nighttime awakenings per week significantly increase burnout risk, with a stronger effect than in men. Nocturnal awakenings 1-2 times/week and ≥ 3 times/week are independent risk factors for burnout. However, individuals with positive results on the GAD/PHQ/PSS scales showed a significantly higher risk of moderate burnout, even with less frequent nocturnal awakenings (< 1 time/week). As the frequency of nocturnal awakenings increases, the risk of burnout also increases, and GAD/PHQ/PSS positivity further exacerbates the risk. Nocturnal awakening is an independent risk factor for occupational burnout, with an increased risk among individuals testing positive for GAD/PHQ/PSS.