FREQUENCY OF BURNOUT SYNDROME AMONG PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND HOUSE OFFICERS IN KARACHI. A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY

Abstract

Background: Burnout is a syndrome of psychological conditions that occur when professionals feel exhausted and unable to perform their regular job requirements efficiently. A state of physical or mental collapse characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low level of professional achievements. Burnout syndrome is now a standard reason for medical excuses from work and could impact the quality of work. Objective: To determine the frequency of burnout syndrome (BOS) among physiotherapists (PT) and physiotherapy house officers (HO) in Karachi. Material & methods: The study included 108 participants, comprising physiotherapists and physiotherapy house officers of both genders (aged 23-50) in Karachi. The cross-sectional study utilized a self-designed questionnaire and MBI questionnaire to assess Burnout Syndrome. Data was collected from Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dow University of Health and Sciences, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center, Liaquat National Hospital, Ziauddin University, Rabia Moon, and Al-Khidmat Hospital. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests (P < 0.05) were employed for analysis using SPSS version 26. Results: A total of 108 participants, including house officers and physical therapists, participated in the study using the MBI questionnaire to assess burnout syndrome stages. House officers showed higher percentages in burnout stages compared to physical therapists. The correlation between working hours and burnout stages was statistically significant (p-value 0.009), indicating a relationship between working hours and burnout stages. Conclusion: The study revealed that Burnout Syndrome developed at different stages in physiotherapists and house officers, with house officers experiencing higher levels. Significant links were found between working hours and work-related stress, suggesting targeted preventive measures for high-risk groups, particularly house officers.