Burnout Among General Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
Burnout, General surgeons, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Workload, Emotional exhaustionAbstract
Introduction: Burnout is increasingly recognized as a major occupational health issue in surgical practice. It is characterized by “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal achievement”. General surgeons are particularly vulnerable due to demanding workloads, prolonged duty hours, and high pressure clinical environments. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout among general surgeons and surgical trainees in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh and to identify key occupational and social factors associated with burnout.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to August 2023 among the general surgeons and trainees at Bangladesh Medical University. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic variables, work related characteristics, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: A total of 120 participants were included. Approximately half met the criteria for burnout. Emotional exhaustion was the most frequently reported dimension, followed by depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment. Burnout was more prevalent among the younger trainees and surgeons, particularly those aged 25–35 years, where “66% demonstrated burnout”. Extended working hours, frequent night duties, early career stage, limited social support, and financial pressures were significantly associated with higher levels of burnout.
Conclusion: Burnout is highly prevalent among general surgeons and trainees in this setting, driven primarily by excessive workload, repeated on call duties, and poor work life balance. Younger surgeons appear particularly vulnerable. Institutional strategies—such as balanced duty rosters, protected rest periods, mentorship, and access to psychological support—are essential to mitigate burnout and enhance surgeon well being.
Journal of Surgical Sciences 2025;29(1): 3-6
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