Possible predictors of burnout among radiographers in hungary: Demographic and work related characteristics

Abstract

Introduction: The risk of burnout in healthcare can affect the quality of patient care. The purpose of this study was to assess burnout rates among Hungarian radiographers to find out the possible reasons behind the phenomenon. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive data collection was conducted from June to September 2018. In addition to socio-demographic and work-related characteristics, an internationally validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used. Descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis test with 95% probability were used for statistical items (p = 0.05). Results: We examined 238 radiographers’ data with the mean age of 34.42 years (SD 10.53). Woman respondents dominated the sample but male respondents tend to be more affected by burnout (p = 0.001). Working over 50 hours per week affected negatively the dimensions of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. 40 to 50 hours of work per week affected foremost the personal achievement dimension (p = 0.001). Radiographers working in oncology patient care are more affected by emotional exhaustion (p = 0.001). Respondents who rated their health as excellent had higher values of personal achievement (p = 0.01). They also had significantly lower levels of emotional exhaustion than respondents who considered their health status to be tolerable or poor (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The extent of burnout may vary depending on the radiographers’ work related characteristics. Understanding the risk factors associated with burnout may help us develop strategies for prevention.