Personal, work-related, and user-related burnout among caregivers in long-term care facilities for older adults in Chile: The role of professional quality of life.

This study examines professional quality of life (ProQOL) and its association with burnout among caregivers of older adults working in long-term care facilities (Establecimientos de Larga Estadía para Adultos Mayores, ELEAM) in Chile. Data from a national survey were used for conducting descriptive analysis and regression models, considering each of the three dimensions of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory as dependent variables: personal, work-related, and user-related burnout. One-third of caregivers reported personal burnout, one-quarter reported work-related burnout, and nearly half reported burnout associated with direct caregiving interactions with residents. These patterns likely reflect the substantial physical and emotional demands inherent to caregiving roles, particularly in contexts characterized by severe dependency and cognitive impairment. Specific dimensions of ProQOL, such as managerial support and perceived workload, are significantly associated with different forms of burnout. Lower perceived managerial support and higher perceived workload were associated with higher levels of reported burnout. While intrinsic motivation was negatively associated with general burnout, this relationship appeared less pronounced for stress related to institutional working conditions. The study also finds greater fatigue among caregivers with longer job tenure. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of improving working conditions in ELEAM facilities, strengthening supervisory and organizational support structures, and promoting organizational strategies to address psychosocial stressors associated with caregiving work in high-demand environments.