Stress symptoms and burnout in obstetric and gynaecology residents

Objective This study was designed to examine the burnout syndrome among residents in obstetrics and gynaecology in Spain, and to analyse the predisposing factors for this condition. Setting Eight Spanish University hospitals. Sample A total of 162 residents representative of all active residents in obstetrics and gynaecology in Spain with regards to age, sex and year of residency were asked to take part in this survey. Methods The Maslach Burnout Inventory was mailed to each resident of eight Spanish hospitals representative of all active residents in obstetrics and gynaecology in Spain with regards to age, sex and year of residency. Burnout was defined as a high score on the emotional exhaustion or depersonalisation subscores, according to validated standard cutoff values. The demographic and predisposing work factors were noted for each participant using a self-reported questionnaire. A binary logistic regression model was constructed from all predisposing factors as covariates for the prediction of the burnout syndrome. Results Sixty-seven percent of the 162 eligible residents returned their questionnaires within a 3-month period. Of those, 58% fulfilled the criteria for the burnout syndrome. In the multivariate analysis, marital status and workload in office practice were found to be significant predisposing factors. Single marital status increased the odds ratio for burnout by 5.2 (95% CI 1.3-21). For every extra ten patients attended in the office per week, the odds ratio for burnout increased by 1.25 (95% Cl 1.0-1.5). A stratified multivariate subanalysis showed that this risk remained significant only in the group of residents without staff supervision with an odds ratio of 2.1 (95% CI 1.3-2.9). Conclusion The prevalence of the burnout syndrome during obstetrics and gynaecology residency is high. Single marital status and workload in office practice without staff supervision are significant predisposing factors.