Burnout in Gastroenterology Unit Nurses

• Main Authors: Andreea Iulia Socaciu, Razvan Ionut, Maria Barsan, Andreea Petra Ungur, Armand Gabriel Rajnoveanu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: burnout; gastroenterology; registered nurses; work-related stress; preventative medicine
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/9/3115

(1) Background: Burnout syndrome is a significant problem in nursing professionals but may be dependent on the type of care that they provide. The objectives of our study are to identify and explore risk factors associated with burnout among gastroenterology nurses. Identifying the risk factors involved is an essential element for prevention programs. (2) Methods: We performed an analytical descriptive cross-sectional study. Burnout was measured using an adapted version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire. Strength of association between burnout scores and risk factors was calculated using Fischer’s exact test; (3) Results: Our subjects were all female nurses. Work-related risk factors, such as an increased workload and a large number of night shifts have been associated with burnout in nurses, together with a lack of physical activity. We found no significant associations with sociodemographic factors; (4) Conclusions: Gastroenterology nurses are affected by high levels of emotional exhaustion. Work-related risk factors and a sedentary lifestyle result in a greater prevalence of burnout. In this category of healthcare workers, preventive actions are needed. The physical activity outside work could be a protective factor for burnout, and an exercise program could contribute to the effectiveness of well-established burnout intervention programs.