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01-12-2020 | Burnout Syndrome | Research

Occupational stress and burnout among physiotherapists: a cross-sectional survey in Cadiz (Spain)

Authors: Ines Carmona-Barrientos, Francisco J. Gala-León, Mercedes Lupiani-Giménez, Alberto Cruz-Barrientos, David Lucena-Anton, Jose A. Moral-Munoz

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Occupational stress is considered an ongoing epidemic. An inadequate response to a stressful situation can trigger burnout syndrome. In this way, the assistant services (health and teaching) often reach higher levels of burnout. The present study aimed to measure the level of occupational stress and burnout in physiotherapists in the province of Cadiz (Spain), working in the public and/or private sector.

Methods

This was an observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A sample of 272 physiotherapists took part in the study. The variables measured were sociodemographic variables, working conditions, level of occupational stress and burnout. Burnout includes three characteristics or dimensions: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and personal accomplishment (PA). Correspondence analysis of the sociodemographic, organizational and psychological variables were analyzed using Chi-squared significance tests. Spearman correlations and a linear regression analysis were also carried out to determine the dependence between occupational stress and burnout.

Results

The results showed that 30.51% of physiotherapists suffered from a high level of occupational stress, while 34.56% suffered from an average level. There was a clear dependence between a high level of stress and professionals who felt stressed during their academic training period (p = 0.02), those who were in temporary work (p = 0.03) and those with over 10 years of professional experience (p = 0.05). The overall level of burnout was low, since only the EE dimension had a high value; the average was 21.64 ± 10.57. The DP (6.57 ± 4.65) and PA (39.52 ± 5.97) levels were low. There was a significant dependence (p < 0.05) between EE and the following sociodemographic variables: work shift, willingness to study the same degree, stress and inadequate academic training, and a stressful job. In addition, a significant correlation was found between occupational stress and the EE and DP dimensions of burnout.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of occupational stress was detected among physiotherapists in Cadiz (Spain). The levels of occupational stress and its correlation with burnout show that the cumulative effect of stress could lead to burnout. Furthermore, these results regarding occupational stress show the necessity of developing coping strategies for physiotherapists and healthcare staff.

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Title: Occupational stress and burnout among physiotherapists: a cross-sectional survey in Cadiz (Spain)
Authors: Ines Carmona-Barrientos
Francisco J. Gala-León
Mercedes Lupiani-Giménez
Alberto Cruz-Barrientos
David Lucena-Anton
Jose A. Moral-Munoz
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Burnout Syndrome
Published in: Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-020-00537-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Occupational stress and burnout among physiotherapists: a cross-sectional survey in Cadiz (Spain)

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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