The Magnitude of Burnout Syndrome and Its Associated Factors among Health Extension Workers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Health Extension Workers (HEWs) in Ethiopia face heavy workloads, long hours, and limited resources, increasing their risk of Burnout Syndrome (BOS), a psychological condition characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization (DP), and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). Despite their critical role in rural health systems, evidence on burnout prevalence and its determinants among HEWs in Northwest Ethiopia is limited. Objective: To assess the magnitude of BOS and identify its associated factors among HEWs in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1, 2024, to April 30, 2024, among 406 HEWs selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured, pretested questionnaire including the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Data were entered using EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed with SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with burnout, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results: Burnout prevalence among HEWs was 22.17% (95% CI: 18.38-26.48%). Factors significantly associated with burnout included rural residence (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.09-4.64), fewer years of service at the current facility (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.12-0.61), job dissatisfaction (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.15-6.21), and inadequate availability of health post resources (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37-0.88). Regarding burnout dimensions, 90.4% of participants reported low, 7.4% moderate, and 2.2% high levels of emotional exhaustion. Low levels of DP and PA were reported by 85.0% and 98.0% of HEWs, respectively. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of HEWs in the South Gondar Zone experience burnout, which may negatively affect both their well-being and the quality of health services delivered. Targeted interventions addressing modifiable workplace and psychosocial factors are urgently needed to improve occupational health and ensure the sustainability of the primary healthcare workforce.