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Gazeta Médica
Print version ISSN 2183-8135On-line version ISSN 2184-0628
Abstract
CAMOES, Ana Catarina et al. Burnout in Family Doctors from a Portuguese Region in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Gaz Med [online]. 2022, vol.9, n.2, pp.125-132. Epub June 30, 2022. ISSN 2183-8135. https://doi.org/10.29315/gm.v9i2.549.
Introduction:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, burnout cases appear to have worsened within physicians. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of burnout, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic, in family physicians from a region in Portugal.
Material and methods:
Analytical cross-sectional study with a self-administered online questionnaire, during april and march of 2021. Application of Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey.
Results:
60 valid responses were obtained, with a mainly feminine (82%) sample, between 36 and 45 years of age (53%). A total of 52% claimed to have thought of changing jobs, institution, or service in the past month. A percentage of 70% presented high emotional exhaustion, 40% high depersonalization, and 45% low personal realization. Suffered from burnout 32%. Emotional exhaustion was higher for those with weekly schedule above 40 hours (p=0.011). Low personal realization (p=0.004) and burnout (p=0.034) were more prevalent in the lower age groups. There were no significant relations between burnout and sex or place of work.
Discussion:
Burnout estimated prevalence in family physicians is twice that of 2016 in the north of Portugal and eight times that of 2012 nationwide. Given the temporal relationship, there is probably a relation between this rise in prevalence and the COVID-19 pandemic. The higher prevalence of burnout in the younger physicians may be due to less effective coping strategies against work stress.
Conclusion:
Burnout prevention should be a priority within family physicians, given its high prevalence and impact on mental health, as well as being a form of quinquinary prevention in health.
Keywords : Burnout, Professional; Burnout, Psychological; COVID-19; Pandemics; Physicians, Primary Care.