The Silent Strain: Burnout Syndrome Among Healthcare Personnel in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Dehradun District a Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Burnout syndrome is a growing concern among healthcare professionals globally. The psychological challenges associated with burnout significantly affect the health and performance of healthcare personnel and, in turn, the quality of patient care. However, region-specific data, especially in settings like Dehradun, India, is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, working in a tertiary care hospital District, Dehradun. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over five months at the Himalayan Institute & Hospital Trust, including 310 participants selected via simple random sampling. Data were collected using a predesigned, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire, including the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 20. A 95% confidence interval was considered, and a p-value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The majority of participants were under 30 years of age (61%), with 76.5% working in rotating shifts. Burnout was measured across three domains: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. While emotional exhaustion was low in 70.3% of participants, 31.3% exhibited high depersonalization. Remarkably, 100% reported high personal accomplishment. Nurses showed significantly higher levels of emotional exhaustion (13.3%, p = 0.003) and depersonalization compared to doctors and technicians. Conclusion: Despite a strong sense of professional efficacy across roles, notable levels of emotional fatigue and detachment were observed, especially among nurses. The findings emphasize the need for role-specific interventions, mental health support services, and organizational strategies to mitigate stress and burnout among healthcare personnel.