Job Satisfaction and Burnout Among Pediatric Intensivists in India: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey
Veena Raghunathan1, Maninder Dhaliwal1, Ebor Jacob James2
1Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Faridabad, Haryana, 121002, India.
Objectives:
To assess the prevalence of job satisfaction and burnout among pediatric intensivists in India and to examine factors associated with work-life balance and well-being.
Methods:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among practicing pediatric intensivists across India. The questionnaire included demographic and work-related details, the Warr-Cook-Wall Job Satisfaction Scale (7-point Likert), and the Muir Matches Visual Burnout Scale. Descriptive analysis and multivariable linear regression were used to identify factors associated with job satisfaction and burnout.
Results:
A total of 216 responses were included for analysis. The mean overall job satisfaction score was 4.7 (± 1.3). Burnout was prevalent, with 58.3% reporting stage 4 or higher burnout. On multivariable analysis, higher designation was associated with higher job satisfaction. Higher designation and more frequent sleep disruption were associated with higher burnout scores, while the presence of hobbies was associated with lower burnout scores. Spending time with family and friends, and taking short breaks/holidays were the commonly reported personal coping strategies. Only 22.9% reported the presence of workplace-level wellness initiatives.
Conclusions:
Pediatric intensivists in India report moderate levels of job satisfaction but a high burden of burnout. These findings highlight the need for organizational-level interventions, review of work structures, and promotion of healthy coping strategies to support this vital workforce.