Burnout among healthcare workers in Lebanon: a multicentred cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Burnout among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a growing concern as it has reached global levels. Despite the various crises that have afflicted Lebanon since 2020, there is a shortage of recent data regarding burnout among HCWs in the country.

AIMS: This study assessed burnout levels and financial well-being among HCWs in Lebanon and identified associated risk factors.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional multicentre study conducted in Lebanon. It included 907 HCWs, comprising medical students, registered nurses, physicians and postgraduate trainees. Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and financial distress using the Incharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-being scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

69.2% of HCWs were at moderate/high risk of burnout, with 76% susceptible to personal burnout, 73% to work-related burnout and 56% to patient-related burnout. Factors reducing burnout risk included age over 50, better financial well-being, higher income and being a person who has never smoked or a former infrequent alcohol consumer. Higher burnout risk was linked to widowhood, public sector employment, long work hours, stressful workplaces, migration intent, psychiatric history and current alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

Burnout risk among HCWs in Lebanon is high, necessitating urgent measures from the public health authorities to improve HCWs' mental well-being.