Prevalence and Related Factors of Burnout among Healthcare Practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital in Livingstone, Zambia

Abstract

Burnout among healthcare practitioners is a critical issue affecting both the workforce and the quality of patient care. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, leading to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and related factors of burnout among healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital in Zambia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 69 healthcare practitioners at Livingstone Central Hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout across three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement. Socio-demographic and work-related factors were also collected. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine the relationships between these factors and burnout. The findings revealed moderate levels of burnout. Emotional exhaustion averaged 18.2, with 16% reporting extreme fatigue. Depersonalization had a mean score of 9.8, while personal achievement was generally low, averaging 39.5, with about 61% of respondents reporting reduced accomplishment. Age, work experience, and professional role were significantly associated with burnout dimensions. Regression analysis showed that workplace comfort and functionality (β = -11.2, p < 0.001) and decision-making involvement (β = -7.5, p = 0.007) were strong protective factors, explaining about 45% of burnout variance (R² = 0.445). Organisational support for professional growth also had a significant impact, accounting for 46% of variance (R² = 0.461). Findings suggest that workplace comfort, involvement in decision-making, and organisational support for professional growth are strongly associated with lower burnout scores. These factors may serve as protective correlates rather than definitive solutions. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and policies to support the well-being of healthcare workers and, consequently, improve the quality of patient care. The need for future research remains to solidify and expand the understanding on burnout.