J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2023 Nov;62(4):199-207. 10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.4.199.

Burnout and Its Associated Factors Among COVID-19 Frontline Healthcare Workers

• Oh H
• Kwak E
• Hyun SY
• Lee S
• Lee SH
• Oh IM
• Sim M

• KMID: 2548769
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2023.62.4.199

Abstract

Objectives
This study was conducted to evaluate burnout and its associated factors among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frontline healthcare workers.
Methods
We analyzed the nationwide burnout evaluation scale data collected from 774 COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers in South Korea from July 1 to 14, 2021. Along with demographic variables and work-related information, the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey and the list of stress factors were used to assess burnout and its associated stressors.
Results
The study participants were predominantly female (86.2%) and the majority were nurses (78.8%). Among them, 53.0% felt emotionally exhausted, 34.5% were cynical, and 45.5% experienced decreased professional efficacy. The most common stressors were “insufficient rewards” (85.0%) and “excessive workload” (72.5%). Factors such as excessive workload, interpersonal relationships at work, and stress from insufficient rewards were correlated with higher levels of exhaustion and increased cynicism. Insufficient rewards and stress about family infection were associated with increased professional efficacy.
Conclusion
Stress related to the work environment, rather than that from potential infection, was associated with exhaustion and cynicism in the COVID-19 frontline healthcare workers.

Keyword

COVID-19; Health personnel; Professional burnout; Maslach Burnout Inventory; Psychological stress