Burnout among Postgraduate Healthcare Trainees at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the need to establish a well-being program. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 and used two validated questionnaires: the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) for assessing burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees, and a questionnaire for assessing program directors' opinion on the need for a well-being program. Results: A total of 386 trainees and 85 program directors completed the questionnaire. In both groups, the majority of the respondents were male (trainees: 53.9%; program directors: 61.2%). A total of 226 trainees (58.5%) scored above the CBI burnout cut-off score, with the median score being highest in the personal domain (62.5,IQR: 45.8-75). In the univariate analysis, the mean burnout score was higher among trainees who were married (P = 0.036), had children (P = <0.001), and were seniors (P = 0.028), whereas in the multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of burnout was having 1-2 children (P = 0.023) or 3-4 children (P = 0.013). In the program directors survey, 90.6% agreed that improving physicians' well-being would directly rectify patients' overall well-being, but only 28.2% stated that it is currently incorporated in the curriculum. Conclusion: This study found that a large proportion of postgraduate healthcare trainees experience burnout, particularly in the personal domain. Although program directors supported the concept of trainees' well-being, its incorporation into the curriculum was lacking, suggesting the necessity of establishing a well-being program.