Prevalence and factors associated with burnout syndrome among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Burnout syndrome is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Anesthesiology residents are particularly vulnerable due to prolonged working hours, cognitive overload, and exposure to stressful clinical situations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of burnout and explore associated occupational and psychosocial factors among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study included residents from 6 training centers accredited by the Brazilian Society of Anesthesiology. Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire and the Portuguese-validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Burnout was defined by high emotional exhaustion (≥ 25), high depersonalization (≥ 10), and low personal accomplishment (≤ 32). Associations were analyzed using Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Ninety-two residents participated (response rate, 84.4%). The overall prevalence of burnout was 26.1% (95% CI 17.5%-36.3%). High emotional exhaustion occurred in 72.8%, depersonalization in 42.4%, and low personal accomplishment in 43.5%. Burnout was significantly associated with living alone (p = 0.036) and psychotropic medication use (p = 0.017). A weekly workload of 60 hours or more (p = 0.068) was not significantly associated with burnout. Female residents showed higher emotional exhaustion (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

Burnout prevalence among anesthesiology residents in Rio Grande do Sul was high, predominantly characterized by emotional exhaustion. Institutional strategies focusing on psychosocial support, workload management, and mental health promotion may improve residents' well-being and professional performance.