Prevalence of burnout among neurologists in Saudi Arabia

• Published in: The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry and Neurosurgery Vol. 57; no. 1; pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Al-Qahtani, Zina Ali, Alhazzani Adel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mumbai Springer Nature B.V 01-05-2021; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Burnout; Consultant; Consultants; Neurologist; Residents; Saudi Arabia
• ISSN: 1110-1083; 1687-8329
• DOI: 10.1186/s41983-021-00309-0

BackgroundBurnout is a psychological syndrome defined as emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA) secondary to work stress. Burnout is widespread among medical workers. We aim to study the prevalence of burnout among neurologists in Saudi Arabia and describe some related personal and professional factors.ResultsA total of 62 consultants and 34 residents participated in the study. Having long working hours was a high source of stress among most of the participants. Consultants and residents reported high burnout rates in the three domains of the scale. In the emotional and exhaustion domain, more consultants (37.1%) showed high burnout compared to residents (23.5%). Regarding depersonalization domain, more residents (41.2%) showed high burnout compared to consultants (27.4%). Regarding the low personal accomplishment domain, more consultants (77.7%) showed high burnout compared to residents.ConclusionResidents and consultant neurologists showed high burnout rates, and results can be used as a baseline guidance to assist in reducing burnout by improving job satisfaction and working environment among neurologists.