Burnout among surgical residents in a lower-middle income country – Are we any different?

• A cross sectional survey of surgical residents revealed very high levels of burnout among them.
• Males were most commonly affected.
• Job dissatisfaction and owning a smart phone were high risk factors for developing burn out.
• Having children and having some knowledge of burn out syndrome were protective against it.
• Working hours, financial constraints, smoking and consumption of coffee had no effect.

ObjectiveTo assess the presence of burnout among surgical residents working at various public sector hospitals in Pakistan.DesignA survey based on MBI was used to assess the presence of burnout. Residents were grouped into Group A (Burn out) or Group B (No burn out). Pearson Test was used to see any correlation between different variables and burn out. A p value of <0.05 was taken as significant.Setting/participantsA cross sectional survey of all the surgical residents at various public sector hospitals in Lahore was done.ResultsA total of 133 residents responded to our questionnaire. 74% respondents were male and 26% were female. All residents showed a very high level of burnout. 50.4% residents had high levels of burn out on the EE category, 49.6% in the DP category and 53.4% residents had low levels on the PA scale. When assessed for overall burn out 57.9% residents had overall burnout. Males were more prone to develop burnout. Job dissatisfaction was the most prevalent reason for burn out. Owning a smartphone was significantly associated with development of burnout. Awareness regarding the burnout syndrome and having children were two factors which had a protective effect against burnout syndrome. Marriage, working hours, financial conditions, smoking and consumption of coffee/tea had no effect on development of burnout syndrome.ConclusionThere is high prevalence of burnout among the surgical residents in our hospitals. Unsatisfactory training is the number one reason for development of this syndrome.