Evaluating burnout syndrome among healthcare workers: Prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

In this editorial we comment on the article by Mohamed et al published in the recent issue of World Journal of Psychiatry. Globally, health care workers are facing a major problem called burnout syndrome, which is characterized by emotional alienation, burnout, and decreased personal fulfillment. This physical and mental stress has a significant impact on the quality of care and health of medical personnel. This study delves into the challenges facing Somalia’s healthcare system, such as lack of resources, heavy workloads, long working hours, and high-pressure environments that make healthcare personnel particularly vulnerable to burnout. This situation further affects their mental health and the quality of care services. Research shows that about 25% of healthcare professionals are affected by burnout syndrome. By improving the quality of sleep, strengthening monitoring, and providing mental health support, the health status of medical personnel and patient care can be effectively improved. The findings highlight the need for interventions including improved sleep quality, enhanced mental health monitoring and support, appropriate workload management, a supportive work climate, and effective time management strategies in the workplace to enhance health staff well-being and the quality of patient care. These measures are critical to addressing the current challenges of the healthcare system, improving patient care and prioritizing the well-being of frontline healthcare staff.

Key Words: Burnout syndrome; Somalia’s healthcare system; Risk factors; Healthcare workers; Prevalence

Core Tip: Globally, health care workers are facing a major problem called burnout syndrome, which is characterized by emotional alienation, burnout, and decreased personal fulfillment. This physical and mental stress has a significant impact on the quality of care and health of medical personnel. This study delves into the challenges facing Somalia’s healthcare system, such as lack of resources, heavy workloads, long working hours, and high-pressure environments that make healthcare personnel particularly vulnerable to burnout. Health care worker burnout syndrome is a problem that requires our high attention and collective response. Only through the joint efforts of medical institutions, governments, society and individuals can we create a good working environment for these angels who protect our health, so that they can devote their enthusiasm and energy to medical work and continue to contribute to our health cause.

INTRODUCTION

In this editorial we comment on the article by Mohamed et al[1] published in the recent issue of World Journal of Psychiatry 2025. This article is about the study of health care worker burnout syndrome, which is studied in Somalia, an underdeveloped country, and this study is very meaningful. At present, the research on this disease has been paid attention by many countries in the world, especially developed countries[1,2]. Burnout is currently described as an occupational phenomenon with the following three characteristics: (1) Exhaustion (physical, emotional, and other types exhaustion); (2) Depersonalization and cynicism; and (3) Decreased sense of personal accomplishment (inefficacy)[3,4]. Burnout is a term that refers to phenomena and stressors in the workplace environment. It is no longer surprising that the syndrome is common among health care workers, despite their often strong mental resilience[2,5]. Although it is difficult to pinpoint an exact causal link, it is observed that burnout is associated with an increase in patient safety issues, including an increase in medical errors, a decrease in patient satisfaction, and lower scores in safety and quality assessments[6].

ANALYSING OF THE FACTORS

Health care worker burnout syndrome is not formed overnight, but the result of multiple factors interwoven for a long time[7]. First of all, high intensity and long hours of work pressure is one of the main causes. In the medical front line, medical staff often need to face continuous long hours of work, overtime is common. Especially during public health emergencies, they bear a huge workload, fight day and night, and are physically and mentally exhausted[2,8,9]. This continuous high-intensity work makes them hardly have enough time to rest and recover, and they are in a state of tension and stress for a long time.

Secondly, the complex and changing medical environment also brings great psychological pressure to health care workers[6]. The continuous upgrading of medical technology requires them to constantly learn and master new knowledge and new skills to adapt to increasingly complex medical needs. At the same time, the unbalanced distribution of medical resources and the tension between doctors and patients also make them often feel anxious and helpless in their work[5].

In addition, the emotional consumption is also a factor that cannot be ignored[10]. Facing illness, death, and the pain and expectations of patients and their families on a daily basis, health care workers require a great deal of emotional and energy. Long-term emotional pay, but often not enough understanding and support, which makes their hearts gradually tired.

Research has found that nearly a quarter of health care workers suffer from burnout syndrome. Improved sleep quality, monitoring, provision and mental health support can improve their health and patient care[1]. The consequences of health care worker burnout syndrome are extremely serious. For individuals, physical and mental health is greatly damaged[7,11]. Long-term stress and fatigue lead to a high incidence of psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, and a variety of physical diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and decreased immune system function[3]. The decrease in career satisfaction makes many people want to quit, which further aggravates the loss of talents in the medical industry[11].

For the entire healthcare system, the implications are even more profound and widespread. Workers’ burnout directly leads to the decline of medical service quality and affects the treatment effect and satisfaction of patients. Due to the decrease in energy and enthusiasm, there may be an increase in medical errors, which poses a potential risk to the life safety of patients[3]. The loss of talents makes the medical team unstable, and the training cost of new employees increases, thus affecting the sustainable development of the medical system. These results suggest the need for interventions to improve sleep quality, monitor and provide mental health support, manage workloads, and foster supportive work environments to improve health care provider well-being and quality of patient care.

To solve this pressing problem, we need joint efforts from many sides. Medical institutions should first assume important responsibilities. Work hours and tasks are rationalized to avoid overwork and ensure adequate rest and recovery opportunities for health care workers[2]. Establish a sound support system and provide psychological counseling and counseling services to help them cope with stress and emotional problems at work. At the same time, strengthen team building, create a good working atmosphere, and promote cooperation and support between colleagues[6,10].

Government departments should also play an active role. Increase investment in the medical and health fields, increase the supply of medical resources, and improve the medical working environment[7]. Formulate relevant policies to protect the legitimate rights and interests of health care workers and improve their treatment and social status. Strengthen the supervision of the medical industry, promote the rational allocation of medical resources, and ease the contradiction between doctors and patients[9].

Health care workers also need more understanding and respect from all sectors of society. The media should play a correct role in guiding public opinion, spread positive energy, and let the public understand the hardships and efforts of medical work. Patients and their families should also give more trust and cooperation to medical staff, and jointly build a harmonious doctor-patient relationship.

As health care workers themselves, they should also learn to care and regulate themselves[4]. Pay attention to their own mental health, and learn to use effective coping strategies, such as exercise, meditation, and communication with family and friends to relieve stress[10]. Constantly improve their professional quality and mental toughness to better cope with various challenges in the work[8,10].

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, health care worker burnout syndrome is a problem that requires our high attention and collective response. Only through the joint efforts of medical institutions, governments, society and individuals can we create a good working environment for these angels who protect our health, so that they can devote their enthusiasm and energy to medical work and continue to contribute to our health cause. Let us work together to protect the backbone of the healthcare system and build a healthier and better society.