Burnout in Anaesthesiology: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study of Anaesthesiologists and Residents in Türkiye.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of burnout and to identify factors associated with it among anaesthesiology attendings and residents in Türkiye.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of anaesthesiology departments in Türkiye between September and December 2024. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (Turkish version). Burnout syndrome was defined as high emotional exhaustion and depersonalization combined with low personal accomplishment; high-risk status was defined as high emotional exhaustion or depersonalization, regardless of personal accomplishment. Sociodemographic, occupational, and workplace factors were collected, and associations were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among the 921 respondents (53% residents, 46% attendings; median age 33 years, interquartile range: 29-43; 53% female), 71.6% were at high-risk for burnout, and 36.7% met the criteria for burnout syndrome. Residents comprised a significantly greater proportion of physicians with burnout syndrome (68% vs. 45%; P < 0.001) and of those at high-risk for burnout (61% vs. 34%; P < 0.001). In the final multivariable model, younger age, female gender, low workplace satisfaction, perceived understaffing, and inadequate personal support were significantly associated with burnout syndrome. The combination of being female and being a resident is associated with higher odds of burnout (interaction P=0.034).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of burnout among the Turkish anaesthesiology workforce is extremely high and is especially pronounced among female residents and among those who are younger, work in understaffed settings, or experience job dissatisfaction. Targeted, system-level reforms that ensure fair pay, improved staffing, and supportive leadership, coupled with nationwide longitudinal monitoring, are needed to protect clinician well-being and patient safety.