Exploring Burnout Dimensions in Borderplex Community Health Workers: Impact of Age and Experience

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, extent, and characteristics of burnout among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in the US-Mexico Borderplex.

CHWs in the Borderplex were recruited for a survey study assessing burnout using Maslach Burnout Inventory. Purposive and convenience sampling approaches were used to recruit participants. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted to assess prevalence and distribution of burnout by age and years of experience and burnout profiles of CHWs were generated.

The burnout prevalence among Borderplex CHWs is 42%. We found that CHWs in the Borderplex experience lower levels of burnout than other healthcare workers in the US based on comparison with normative values in the MBI, with older, more experienced CHWs reporting the lowest burnout. CHWs report lower mean EE (mean 15.34, SD 11.7) and DP (mean 3.16, SD 3.9) scores and moderate PA (mean 36.6, SD 9.5) scores. Age and Years of Experience impact CHW burnout with those in the 25 to 34 age group and with 0 to 5 years of experience reporting moderate to high burnout dimension scores.

Our study advances our understanding of burnout among the previously unexplored population of Borderplex CHWs. Our findings suggest that a sense of personal accomplishment may significantly mitigate burnout. More holistic intervention approaches, considering work-life integration factors as well as personal and work-related factors, can improve well-being and prevent burnout among all healthcare workers.