Burnout levels and associated factors among physicians and dentists in Türkiye

This study aimed to determine the burnout levels and identify associated demographic, occupational, and organizational factors among physicians and dentists in Türkiye. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA), is an increasingly critical issue affecting both healthcare providers' well-being and the quality of healthcare services. A nationwide, cross-sectional, online self-reported survey was conducted between February and August 2024 among 1312 physicians and dentists working in public and private sectors across Türkiye. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic and professional characteristics, and the Turkish-adapted Maslach Burnout Inventory. Maslach Burnout Inventory subscales scores for EE, DP, and PA were analyzed. Associations between burnout levels and independent variables were evaluated using nonparametric tests, and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons. Additionally, hierarchical multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of EE, DP, and PA and to adjust for potential confounding factors. Overall, 46.3% of participants had high EE, 16.2% had high DP, and 8.7% had low PA. Higher EE and DP were significantly associated with younger age, fewer years in practice, being unmarried, childless, working in the public sector, lacking administrative experience, exposure to violence or mobbing, involvement in lawsuits, high patient volume, and night shifts. Poor physical work environment, insufficient nonphysician support, and low perceived income were significantly correlated with all 3 subscales, indicating greater burnout risk. Physicians and dentists reporting the intention to leave the profession or to work abroad also exhibited higher burnout scores. In multivariable hierarchical linear regression analyses, intention to leave the profession, exposure to workplace violence, and career-related intentions remained among the strongest independent predictors of EE and DP, while PA showed comparatively weaker associations with sociodemographic and occupational factors. Burnout is highly prevalent among physicians and dentists in Türkiye and is influenced by multiple personal, occupational, and systemic factors. Addressing modifiable contributors (such as workload, workplace safety, staffing adequacy, and income satisfaction) should be prioritized to protect the well-being of healthcare professionals and ensure sustainable, high-quality healthcare delivery.