Burnout rate among healthcare workers during COVID19 pandemic in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Background and Aims: Globally, burnout is considered a major problem, disturbing the mental and physical well-being of healthcare workers, and potentially affecting the quality of the care provided. This research was conducted to evaluate the rate of burnout and related risk factors during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methodology: A crosssectional study was conducted between March 2021 and October 2021 to evaluate the rate of burnout among healthcare workers who were in contact with COVID-19 patients at different healthcare facilities in Medina. A semiself-structured questionnaire, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Medical Personnel, was conducted through social media networks. Results: A total of 239 participants met the inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 35.4 years and almost half were female. The health and well-being scores were mean=0.77 and standard deviation= 0.33. In addition, the mean emotional exhaustion score point was high (28), and the depersonalization and personal accomplishment were moderate (8.8 and 34.6, respectively). Collectively, the overall score was 71.5, indicating high burnout. Participants with chronic stress as well as younger age groups less than 33 years showed significantly higher scores. Furthermore, participants with impaired quality of sleep had a significantly higher incidence of burnout. Finally, regression analysis showed a significant inverse relationship between burnout and health and well-being. Conclusion: High percentage of the participants (82%) experienced high burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being younger, having chronic stresses, and having impaired sleep quality were observed to be connected to high burnout.