Correlates of Depression and Burnout among Residents in a Lebanese Academic Medical Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depressive symptoms, severity of burnout, and suicidal ideation among residents in a range of specialties and to identify factors that are associated with these symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between August and October 2013. In total, 118 out of 311 eligible residents responded. The survey included general sociodemographic questions and standardized validated tools to measure depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9), burnout (burnout measure), anxiety (GAD-7), alcohol use (AUDIT), and drug abuse (DAST-10). Results: Overall, 22 % of the residents qualified for major depressive symptomatology. Stressful personal life events and burnout were significantly associated with depression. Drug abuse, but neither alcohol abuse nor anxiety, was associated with depression. Twenty-seven percent of the residents met criteria for burnout. Additionally, 13 % of residents had suicidal ideation, which was significantly associated with the severity of depression and not using mental health services. Conclusions: These findings increase awareness regarding the vulnerability of residents internationally. Addressing the mental health of residents is a pressing issue, and training programs need to actively address the psychological well-being of residents.