Burnout prevalence and associated risk factors among KFU students, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Burnout has mental health outcomes and physical health outcomes including multiple aches and pains, digestive upset and cardiovascular risks. Burnout affects work satisfaction, job performance, disease susceptibility and interpersonal interactions. It is important to have a better explanation and understanding of the factors associated with burnout. Besides, there is little known about burnout among college students in Saudi Arabia. There are no studies that focus on the difference between burnout in students in different colleges at the same university in Alhasa city. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of burnout levels among students at King Faisal University in Alhasa city. Also, to have better clarification and understanding of the risk factors associated with burnout. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that will be conducted at King Faisal University in Alhasa city. Data will be collected from the students using questionnaires filled out by survey. Results: The study included 439 students whose ages ranged from 18 to 32 years. Burnout was detected in total among 30.5% of the students while it was moderate among 50.8%, and the remaining percentages had a low level of burnout. High burnout was detected among those who live alone, with a low GPA, and the highest burnout was reported among intern and 1st-grade students. Additionally, high burnout was observed among previously failed students and those who had a low-income level with a highly significant difference. While, there is no association between age, gender, and marital status of our participants and burnout prevalence. Burnout scores among learners were correlated with personal achievement and depersonalization. Conclusion: Almost one-third of the students had a high burnout score, half of them had a moderate score of burnout, burnout distribution among university students was associated with most personal data.