Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Coping Strategies for Burnout Among Pediatric Urologists

To determine the current prevalence of burnout in pediatric urologists, to identify risk factors associated with higher levels of burnout, and to identify coping strategies among pediatric urologists.

The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and an anonymous survey of demographic and practice characteristics were distributed electronically to pediatric urologists through the Society of Pediatric Urology. The MBI is a standardized, validated questionnaire comprised of three subscales: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal accomplishment (PA). As per prior literature, higher scores in EE (>27) and/or DP (>10) were defined as high burnout. Independent variables of demographic and practice characteristics were compared between urologists with high vs low to moderate levels of burnout with t tests and Fisher's exact tests.

The survey response rate was 203/674 (30%). Mean age of respondents was 50 years, 66% were male, and the average number of years in practice was 15.6. The mean MBI scores were 22.6 for EE, 7.4 for DP, and 38.5 for PA. Overall, 43% of pediatric urologists met criteria for high burnout compared to 25.5% in the 2016 American Urological Association census. Univariate analysis revealed three factors significantly associated with high burnout: younger age, female gender, and hours worked per week.

The results of this study suggest an increased prevalence of burnout among pediatric urologists since the 2016 American Urological Association census, particularly in younger and female urologists. Identification of these risk factors is important to mitigate burnout and maintain the already strained urology workforce.