Influence of Work Environment Characteristics on the Level of Professional Burnout of Healthcare Professionals in Northeastern Bulgaria.

Background

Burnout is a common occupational health risk among healthcare professionals. While the phenomenon has been studied in physicians and nurses, limited evidence exists regarding pharmacists and public health inspectors despite their critical role in ensuring safe medication use and protecting population health. The study aims to identify and analyze the influence of work environment characteristics on the level of professional burnout among master pharmacists, assistant pharmacists, and public health inspectors.

Methods

A cross-sectional anonymous survey was conducted among 491 healthcare professionals (221 master pharmacists, 151 assistant pharmacists, and 119 public health inspectors). Burnout was assessed using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS (MP)), covering three dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). Work environment characteristics were examined across four domains: work tasks, stressors, occupational risks, and social environment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests with IBM SPSS.

Results

High levels of EE (66.6%) and DP (53%) were reported, while low PA was less frequent (6.7%). Significant factors associated with EE included time constraints (χ2 = 9.985; p < 0.01), workflow disruptions (χ2 = 23.987; p < 0.001), insufficient information (χ2 = 22.890; p < 0.001), and lack of recognition (χ2 = 16.498; p < 0.001). The social environment demonstrated the broadest impact, influencing all three burnout dimensions.

Conclusions

The study found a risk of professional burnout among the surveyed groups which is associated with modifiable work environment characteristics. Preventive interventions aimed at promoting a supportive work environment could help mitigate this risk.