Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in Costarican Physician Residents

Abstract

Background and aim: to determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the burnout syndrome in residency trainees in Costa Rica in 2007 and to validate the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (Spanish version).
Materials and methods: The present is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. One hundred and 21 subjects were interviewed during the first and third year of specialization in anesthesiology, surgery and medical disciplines, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics and psychiatry. All of them completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (Spanish validated) and a socio-demographic questionnaire which included: medical specialty, residency center, sex, marriage status, number of children, age, number of on-call assignments per month and year of residency.
Results: high levels of emotional exhaustion were found in women and pediatrics trainees; however the opposite was seen in those on-call 4 times a month on average, as well as in geriatrics and psychiatry residents. Depersonalization was elevated in men, but low in those living with someone, geriatrics and family medicine residents. Negative personal accomplishment was seen in those who lived with someone else. The Burnout Syndrome by itself was more frequent in women, third year residents, people living with someone else and with children, those below 30 years and those undergoing training in medical subspecialties. The inventory was validated for use its in Costa Rica.
Conclusion: Subgroups undergoing residency training are at risk of developing Burnout Syndrome. Some of them could be related to the academic and occupational burden. When planning mental health strategies, this fact must be considered.