Burnout among Auxiliary Nurse Midwife Working in a District of West Bengal: In-depth Analysis by Mixed Methods...

Auxiliary nurse midwife (ANM) health workers are pivotal in providing preventive and promotive healthcare services, including vaccinations, disease screening, antenatal checkups, and health education at the primary healthcare level. Their tireless efforts in strengthening primary healthcare and combating recent pandemics are evident.

This study aimed to assess the extent, associated factors, and reasons for burnout in a district of West Bengal.

This mixed methods research (explanatory-sequential approach: Quan-Qual) was conducted from May 2022 to January 2023, involving randomly selected 226 ANMs from 13 rural blocks (cross-sectional design). ANMs with maximum burnout were purposively selected for the qualitative follow-up. A self-administered, modified Copenhagen Burnout Inventory questionnaire captured three domains of burnout. Responses from an open-ended free-listing guide identified reasons for burnout. Adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis determined factors associated with burnout. Findings were integrated and presented in a joint display.

Out of 214 complete responses, 44.9% reported burnout, over single (20.1%), double (18.7%), and triple (6.1%) domains, namely personal (32.2%), work-related (28.5%), and patient-related (14.9%) burnouts. Chronic morbidity, lack of physical activity, and recent negative incidents were associated with higher burnouts, whereas <5 km home to work-site distance and more support from supervisor were protective factors. Qualitative exploration revealed logistics problems, workload, distance, lack of support, etc., as reasons for burnout. After data triangulation, burnouts were identified with individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional level socioecological attributes.

Almost 45% ANM suffered burnout. Addressing the interrelated factors at different socioecological levels could enhance productivity and job satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment.