Burnout among Syrian postgraduate residents in medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of burnout and determine the predictive factors among the residents in the three major healthcare specialties in Syria (medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy).

A web-based cross-sectional survey was used to investigate the experienced burnout among residents. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used as a self-reported scale. Seven burnout-related factors were investigated and included in the survey.

The overall reported prevalence of burnout was 73% (149/204 respondents) in the total sample. Residents in medicine reported the highest values, followed by the residents in dentistry. The residents in pharmacy reported the lowest burnout prevalence. The prevalence was statistically different in selected domains of burnout according to the type of specialty, satisfaction with monthly income, marital status, gender, existence of night shifts, and was inversely correlated with age (p<0.05).

Burnout rates among Syrian healthcare residents are high and concerning. Residents in medicine reported the highest percentage. Predictive factors should be considered by the directors of every medical program and the residency administrators.