Burnout of Healthcare Professionals Working in COVID-19 Contact Tracing Teams

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to determine the burnout level of healthcare professionals who worked in the contact tracing teams during the pandemic and the factors affecting it. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, healthcare professionals working in the contact tracing teams of health districts in Istanbul between March and June 2020 were included. The questionnaire created over Google Forms was shared via social media (WhatsApp) groups of the teams in all districts in Istanbul. In the first part of the questionnaire, working conditions during the pandemic and the psychosocial effects of the pandemic were questioned. The data obtained via Maslach Burnout Scale were analyzed statistically in the second part. Results: Of the 485 participants, 350 (72.2%) were females, and 280 (57.7%) were dentists. The weekly average working time was 36.0 (1.0–117.0) h. The median score for emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal achievement was 31.0 (20.0–39.0), 12.0 (4.0–24.0), and 27.0 (14.0–40.0), respectively. There was a negative correlation between age and EE and DP (r=-0.128, p=0.005 and r=-0.254, p<0.001, respectively), and a positive correlation between age personal achievement (r=0.157, p=0.001). EE and DP were positively correlated with working duration (r=0.287, p<0.001 and r=0.177, p<0.001, respectively). Being away from home and experiencing disruption in the care of relatives significantly increased EE (p=0.009 and p=0.005, respectively). Conclusion: Factors affecting burnout in healthcare workers are psychosocial problems rather than intense working conditions. Providing social and psychological support to healthcare professionals and their families can be effective in dealing with burnout.