Burnout syndrome and associated factors among physicians in two university hospitals in Antananarivo

Medical profession is stressful and can cause professional exhaustion syndrome or Burnout syndrome (BOS). This study aims to determine Burnout syndrome levels (low, medium, high) by its dimensions and by causing factors related to physicians’ professional activity. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on self-administered questionnaire to practicing physicians in Soavinandriana Hospital Center and Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona University Hospital in 2012. Correlation and linear regression analyses were made (SigmaStat® 3.5). Out of 138 hospital physicians, questionnaire response rate was 47.1%. Forty eight medical records were selected. The study population was male-dominated (sex ratio: 1.8) with a median age of 37 [25-59] years. Physicians-in-training and assistant physicians accounted for 56.3% of the study population. According to the seniority of the physicians, 16.7% had worked for less than 1 year. Burnout syndrome was found in 51.2% of physicians, of whom 4.2% had high syndrome levels. Occupational status was significantly correlated with Burnout syndrome and with its level (p=0.0142 and p=0.0362), including emotional exhaustion (p=0.0414). BOS wasn’t related with physician seniority and sector of activity. BOS in hospital environment is mainly related to occupational status. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent its deleterious effects.