Factors Associated with Burnout in Medical Students: An Exploration of Demographic, Academic, and Psychological Variables

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of burnout among medical students at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy. Methods: Burnout was measured using the School Burnout Inventory-U 9 (SBI-U 9), and potential predictors, including social media addiction (Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale—BSMAS), procrastination, age, gender, year of study, admission grade, last annual grade, hobbies, achievements, close friends, and relationship status, were assessed using appropriate instruments. Correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses identified predictors of burnout. Mediation analysis tested procrastination as a mediator between BSMAS and burnout, while moderation analysis examined whether procrastination moderated this relationship. Results: Social media addiction was an independent predictor of burnout. While younger age was correlated with higher burnout, it was not a significant predictor in the multivariate model. Procrastination did not significantly mediate the link between social media addiction and burnout but significantly moderated it. The effect of social media addiction on burnout was stronger for students with lower levels of procrastination. Conclusions: The study shows increased susceptibility to burnout among younger students and identifies social media addiction as a key risk factor. Procrastination moderates this relationship, indicating the need for interventions targeting both digital habits and time management in medical education.