[Risk factors in the health care workers]

The research has explored the possibility of the Burnout Syndrome in a group of nurses at a general hospital (San Luis, Argentina) working in different services.

Seventy four females and eight males, aged from 30 to 60 years were interviewed. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess three areas: emotional tiresome, depersonalization and personal realization.

Significant differences were found between the three ages groups, indicating the incidence of age on the level of depersonalization. Regarding nominal variables, it was identified that working position was important to predict the Burnout Syndrome.

It was concluded that a reevaluation of nursing human resources is necessary in order to prevent the burnout syndrome.