Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and burnout among family physicians: A cross-sectional study
Waleed Albishi1, Fahad Alajlan2, Abdulelah Alrasheed2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Background:
Burnout is a significant concern among family physicians, affecting physician well-being and the quality of patient care. This study assessed the prevalence of burnout and its association with work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSIs).
Methods:
A total of 102 family physicians were surveyed. Burnout was assessed using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), and musculoskeletal pain was evaluated with the WRMSI questionnaire. Associations among burnout, WRMSI, and physician characteristics were analyzed.
Results:
Among participants, 43.2% were between the ages of 31 and 40 years; 51% were men; and 69.6% worked in primary healthcare centers. Burnout was present in 73.5% of respondents. Mean BAT scores showed higher levels of exhaustion (3.31), mental distance (2.82), cognitive impairment (2.68), and emotional impairment (2.47). There was a significant positive correlation between BAT and WRMSI scores (r = 0.324; P < 0.001). Burnout was more common among younger physicians (P = 0.013), those with less experience (P = 0.003), and those working longer shifts (P = 0.016). The most common WRMSI site was the lower back (mean, 4.46), followed by the shoulder (mean, 4.23) and the neck (mean, 3.75). The total mean score on the WRMSI questionnaire was 26.7 (standard deviation, 16.9).
Conclusion:
Burnout is prevalent among family physicians and closely associated with WRMSI. Younger physicians and those working extended shifts are at the most significant risk. Targeted policies and programs to manage workload, improve ergonomics, provide mentoring, and support wellness are needed to reduce burnout and WRMSI.