Factors associated with burnout among allied health professionals in the Post-COVID era in Singapore

Background The endemicity of COVID and resultant social upheaval can result in significant levels of burnout. In healthcare establishments already saddled with high workloads and heavy reliance on foreign-born staff, this may create even higher levels of burnout and worsen staff turnover. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate factors affecting burnout among Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. We hypothesized that female gender, younger age, relative inexperience, singlehood, and lack of family locally is associated with higher odds of burnout and that perceived social support and satisfaction with use of leisure time would help mitigate against burnout. Methods An anonymized email survey of AHPs was conducted. Survey instruments used were the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Leisure Time Satisfaction Survey, Patient Health Questionnaire-4 items, Brief form of Perceived Social Support Questionnaire, and the Demand Control Support Questionnaire. Results We received 136 responses, of which 69.9% ( n = 95) were female. Burnout was associated with younger personnel (20–29 years old), less social support at work, and those with shorter duration of residence in Singapore (≤15 years) ( p < 0.05). Burnout was also associated with psychological distress, where those with higher PHQ scores had higher odds of experiencing burnout ( p < 0.05). Contrary to hypothesis, gender, singlehood, work experience, lack of immediate family residing locally, social support outside of work and satisfaction with leisure time were not significantly associated with the odds of burnout. Conclusion Younger AHPs with less support at work and less time residing in Singapore have higher odds to experience burnout. There is a need to implement individual and organizational interventions that target those with the greatest risk factors for burnout.