Burnout syndrome among urologists in Spain: Prevalence, risk factors, and implications for mental health

Introduction

Burnout syndrome is a significant occupational phenomenon among healthcare professionals, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. Urologists, due to the demands of their specialty, are particularly vulnerable. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors for burnout syndrome among urologists in Spain.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 257 practicing urologists in Spain. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and additional demographic and occupational questions. Burnout was defined based on high emotional exhaustion combined with either high depersonalization or low personal accomplishment. Statistical analyses included univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify significant predictors.

Results

In the study, the prevalence of burnout among Spanish urologists was 54.9%. Fewer years of experience and female gender were associated with higher burnout rates. Significant stressors included workload and work schedule. Despite the high prevalence, only one third of affected professionals sought psychological support.

Conclusions

Burnout is highly prevalent among Spanish urologists and poses serious risks to both healthcare professionals and patients. Its impact on patient care includes increased likelihood of medical errors, reduced quality of care and patient satisfaction. Targeted interventions and psychological support are urgently needed to address this issue.