Prevalence and risk factors of burnout among healthcare professionals engaged in critical care settings: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Burnout is a work-related psychological syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of personal achievement. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in serious and complex medical environments are vulnerable due to high workload, time pressure, and emotionally challenging situations. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of burnout among HCPs working in high-stress medical settings and to determine factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across selected government and private hospitals. A total of 300 HCPs with at least 1 year of experience in critical care settings were included using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a predesigned questionnaire and Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS, and Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations. Results: Overall prevalence of burnout was 37%, with 27% experiencing moderate and 10% severe burnout. Personal, work-related, and client-related burnout rates were 34.3%, 29.7%, and 24.3%, respectively. Significant associations were observed between burnout and age group, marital status, commuting distance ≥10 km, pressure from seniors/management, high workload, and frequent night shifts with P < 0.05. No significant associations were found with gender, type of department, workplace type, or years of experience. Conclusion: The prevalence of burnout was high among HCPs and was significantly associated with age, marital status, longer commuting distance, high workload, frequent night shifts, and pressure from seniors or management.