[Professional burnout in hospitals. Influence of sociodemographic variables]

The propose of this study was to determine the role of sociodemographic variables in the nursing burnout process by taking into account the specific syndrome dimensions (emotional exhaustion, despersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment), the principal sources of stress in this profession, in addition to health, extraworking and organizational derived outcomes. Most relevant personality variables inside this process was also contemplated, especifically several of the principal coping mechanisms, as well as the construct of hardy personality (hardiness). A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) among 247 nurses from five hospitals in Madrid was executed, showed a multivariate main effect for amount (percent) of diary interaction with patients, contract of employment, and managerial practice. The study raises on the limited associations between the classical sociodemographic factors (age, sex, marital status, etc.) and the burnout process, point out as the most relevant factors that ones associated to the special working situation of each individual, and with the amount of personal contact with the patients.