What are the Predictors of Burn out in Nigerian Bankers? A Case Study of Bankers in Enugu, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

In developing countries such as Nigeria, due to globalization and the deteriorating economy, workers are especially vulnerable to burnout. The pressure on bank employees from tight deadlines and unrealistic targets may predispose them to burnout. Burnout has been shown to occur in workers because of failure to cope with occupational stress, especially in the banking sector which requires intensive communication and interaction with service recipients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of occupational burnout in bankers in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out among 370 Bankers in Enugu state, Nigeria. The Copenhagen burnout inventory was used to assess personal, work and clientrelated burnout.

RESULTS

Majority of the bankers had all three components of burnout. Client related burnout was experienced more among female bankers (P=0.022), those that had spent five years or less on the job (P=0.021), bankers aged thirty-five years or less (P=0.013) and bankers who were married (P=0.018).Only bankers that had spent less than five years on the job (P=0.037) experienced personal burnout and no factor was found to be associated with work related burnout. Predictors of client-related burnout were age of 35 years or less, work experience of 5 years or less and being female.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of burnout is very high among the bankers that were studied. The management of these banks should create measures aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to burnout.