Burnout, Belonging, and Mental Well-Being: Predictors of Turnover Intent Among Local Public Health Professionals
Authors:
- Timothy C. McCallTMTimothy C. McCall
- Kellie PerkinsKPKellie Perkins
- Aaron A. AlfordAAAaron A. Alford
Open Access
- 18 November 2025
- journal article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Journal of Public Health Management & Practice
- Vol. 32 (1S) , S25-S32
Abstract
We analyzed a nationally representative sample of local public health professionals (LPHPs) from varying jurisdiction sizes across the United States who responded to the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS). Our goal was to explore experiences of burnout; perceived belonging within an agency; self-rated mental and emotional well-being; and intentions to leave an organization. Results showed that burnout was negatively associated with and perceived belonging within an agency was positively associated with ratings of mental and emotional health. Each of these 3 variables were associated with an intent to leave an organization in the next year. We discuss implications to—and recommendations for mitigating—attrition of the nation’s local public health workforce after the size of the LPHP workforce rebounded following over a decade of decline.Keywords
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