Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess levels of the burnout syndrome among the Eastern Mediterranean Region anaesthesiologists

Methods:

After obtaining the approval of the Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine ethics committee, anaesthesia and reanimation physicians in the East Mediterranean Region and residents who were working more than one year in the at Cukurova University anaesthesia and reanimation units were included in this study. Emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal success were evaluated with Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The personal characteristics, habits and working conditions were evaluated with the socio-demographic data collection form. SPSS 18.0 package program was used for statistical analysis of the data.

Results:

Sixty (68.2%) physicians and twenty-seven (30.7%) residents were included this study. Burnout scores were not affected by gender, marital status, alcohol abuse, chronic illness. MBI-EE (emotional exhaustion) score (20.09±6.38), MBI-D (depersonalization) score (7.64±3.64) and MBI-NW score (11.50±2.68) were significantly higher in 25-30 age group. In addition, burnout was related to smoking, sleep disturbance, working at a public hospital, not having a hobby, the number of night shifts between 6-10, being a resident.

Conclusion:

Burnout levels may decrease with reduction of the number of shifts, having a hobby, no smoking, and a regular sleep pattern. Regulation of working conditions, concentrating on education, psychological support and organizational arrangements would effectively contribute to the prevention of burnout.

Keywords: Anaesthesia, physicians, burnout