The burnout syndrome is beginning to be regarded as an occupational illness of high
prevalence among nursing in Spain. Individuals suffering from the syndrome manifest
important health problems. More information about prevalence and risk factors for
burnout is needed to prevent the syndrome and to determine the most appropriate clinical
interventions when the disorder appears.
Burnout levels were evaluated in a group of nurses. The objectives of this study were
to estimate the prevalence of burnout, to identify the variables related to burnout
and to propose a risk profile for this syndrome among the nursing personnel.
The study was carried out in public health centers in Andalusia (Spain).
The sample consisted of 676 nursing professionals from public health centers. Dependent
variables were the three Burnout dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization
and personal accomplishment. Independent variables were socio-demographic, organizational,
personality-related variables.
The nurses manifested average to high burnout levels. There were statistically significant
differences in burnout levels associated with the following variables: age, gender,
marital status, having children, level of healthcare, type of work shift, healthcare
service areas and conducting administrative tasks. Burnout was also associated with
personality-related variables.
The prevalence of burnout among nursing professionals is high. Gender, age, marital
status, level of healthcare, work shift and healthcare service areas predicted at
least one of the dimensions of the syndrome. Neuroticism, agreeability, extraversion
and conscientiousness are personality traits that predict at least two of the dimensions
of burnout syndrome in nurses. Therefore, personality factors should be considered
in any theory of risk profiles for developing burnout syndrome in the nursing profession.
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