Prevalence of burnout dimensions among general surgeons. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Our aim was to summarize global prevalence rates of the burnout subscales emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) among general surgeons, as well as potential contributing factors. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting EE and DP prevalence and associated potential stressors. Heterogeneity was assessed by I² statistic and tau² statistic. We also performed subgroup analysis, meta-regression analysis and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A total of 21 cross-sectional studies were included in this meta-analysis, totaling 3325 subjects. Analysis of EE and DP indicated burnout in 43% and 41% of general surgeons, respectively. The moderators used in the meta-regression analysis did not account for significant heterogeneity. The Egger and Peters tests did not detect publication bias due to small studies. The prevalences of EE and DP in general surgeons are very high, and further studies are needed to clarify the discrepancies observed in certain results.