Physician Burnout and Associated Risk Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome consists of a group of psychological symptoms due to chronic exposure to stressors in the workplace, which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of burnout, and the possible associated risk factors, among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Porto Velho-RO, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) answered by physicians who signed the informed consent form, between August 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout in this study was 77.5% (107/138), with 43.48% (60/138) with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Statistical tests were carried out and suggested being female, being under 30 years of age, being single, and working on the frontline as risk factors for burnout. While having children and being married are possible protective factors. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of burnout syndrome were evidenced in the research participants. This study highlights correlated risk factors, with its results being consistent with the literature.