Burnout, general and mental health status of physicians: a cross-sectional survey among anaesthetists in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To determine occupational burnout among anaesthetists practicing in Nigeria and evaluate their general and mental health status.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Subjects: The participants were 129 anaesthetists practicing in different regions of Nigeria.

Setting: The 27th annual general meeting of the National Society of Anaesthetists which held from 18th to 22nd November 2019 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire containing the Oldenburg burnout inventory, the 2-item patient health questionnaire depression module, and Self-rated health tools was used to evaluate burnout, depression and general health of the participants, respectively. The level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of < 0.05.

Results: The response rate was 80.6% (104/129). The prevalence of burnout among the anaesthetists was 68.3% (71/104). Eighteen anaesthetists (17.3%) screened positive for depression. We found strong association between burnout (overall; p=0.001, individual domains; p<0.001) and depression, but not self-rated health of the respondents. The professional grade of the anaesthetists, but not age, gender or marital status was found to be associated with burnout. Resident anaesthetists were more significantly associated with burnout; p=0.03.

Conclusion: Burnout prevalence was high among the anaesthetists practicing in Nigeria and a considerable proportion screened positive for depression. A strong association exists between burnout and depression among the respondents. Burnout and depression could impair mental health, the general health status notwithstanding.