Burnout, Associated Factors, and Mental Health in Ecuadorian Physicians

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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Although burnout among physicians is a serious and growing problem in healthcare, research on this issue in Ecuador is scarce and suffers from methodological limita-tions. This study examined the prevalence of burnout among Ecuadorian medical professionals at the national level, as well as its correlates and consequences on their mental health. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1,976 physicians (51.8% women, mean age 37.1 years) from all provincial capitals of Ecuador. The presence of burnout was assessed, as well as sociodemographic, organizational, and psychological variables (including psychological in-flexibility, perceived loneliness, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress). Results: Notably, 9.0% of physicians exhibited burnout syndrome. Working in shifts for more than eight hours a day, having work-family conflict, psychological inflexibility, and perceived loneliness were associated with an increased risk of suffering burnout. Meanwhile, being a woman was associated with a decrease in risk. The presence of burnout significantly increased the risk of experiencing depressive and stress symptoms. Conclusions: Clearly, a significant number of medical professionals suffer from burnout. As such, stakeholders should promote the develop-ment of prevention programs that incorporate the insights from this and other studies to design effective psychological interventions for burnout adapted to the specific needs of this population.

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