Estrés, Agotamiento Profesional y Psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos de un Hospital Universitario de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / STRESS, PROFESSIONAL EXHAUSTION, AND PSYCHOPATHOLOGY IN GENERAL PRACTITIONERS AND WITH HIERARCHICAL POSITIONS OF A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF THE CITY OF BUENOS AIRES

Si bien el estrés en el trabajo puede afectar a muchas ocupaciones, los profesionales de la salud tienen una mayor predisposición a desarrollarlo. Asimismo, el estrés a largo plazo puede llevar a padecer el Síndrome de Agotameinto Profesional (Burnout). Alguien que padezca alguna de estas entidades puede presentar signos de psicopatología. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de estrés laboral, síndrome de agotamiento profesional generalizado y psicopatología en médicos de planta y con cargos jerárquicos en un Hospital Universitario. La prevalencia de estrés en la muestra analizada fue del 85,95%; la prevalencia del Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional fue del 72,9% y la psicopatología del 10%. Todos los encuestados con resultados positivos del cuestionario GHQ-12 obtuvieron puntuaciones positivas para el estrés y el síndrome de agotamiento. Por lo tanto, esta situación necesita acciones y soluciones inmediata

Although stress at work can affect many occupations, health professionals have a greater predisposition to develop it. Likewise, long-term stress may lead to suffering from Professional Burnout Syndrome. Someone who suffers from any of these entities may have signs of psychopathology. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of work-related stress, burnout syndrome and psychopathology in staff medical doctors and with hierarchical positions in a University Hospital. The prevalence of stress in the analyzed sample was 85.95%; the prevalence of the Professional Burnout Syndrome was 72.9%, and psychopathology was 10%. All respondents with positive results from the GHQ-12 questionnaire had positive scores for stress and burnout syndrome. Therefore, this situation needs immediate action and solutions

Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional y Trabajadores Penitenciarios Peruanos. Una Mirada Cualitativa a los Factores Institucionales y Sociales / Professional Burnout Syndrome and Peruvian Prison Workers. A Qualitative Study of Institutional and Social Factors / Síndrome do Esgotamento Profissional e Trabalhadores Penitenciários Peruanos. Um Olhar Qualitativo Sobre os Fatores Institucionais e Sociais

Resumen El artículo presenta los resultados de una investigación cualitativa a nivel nacional acerca de los factores institucionales y sociales asociados al Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional (SAP) y al estrés laboral en trabajadores penitenciarios peruanos. Se realizaron 21 entrevistas a autoridades del Instituto Nacional Penitenciario del Perú (INPE) y 12 grupos focales con 59 trabajadores de las áreas de tratamiento y seguridad, de diez establecimientos penitenciarios (EP) a nivel nacional. Se encuentran como factores institucionales y sociales principales: (a) variables políticas y económicas estructurales de instituciones públicas, (b) relaciones interpersonales laborales, y (c) percepción del interno/a. Finalmente, se enfatiza en la comprensión multidimensional del SAP donde se incorporen en el análisis aspectos políticos, sociales y subjetivos. De manera particular, el artículo aporta en cómo la percepción de los internos, desde los trabajadores penitenciarios, podría estar impactando en la prevalencia del sap y los objetivos institucionales.

Abstract The article presents the results of a nationwide qualitative research project on the institutional and social factors associated with Occupational Burnout Syndrome and job stress in Peruvian prison officers. 21 interviews were carried out with authorities from the National Penitentiary Institute of Peru (INPE) and 12 focus groups that included 59 workers from the treatment and security areas of ten penitentiaries at the national level. The main institutional and social factors identified were: (a) structural political and economic variables pertaining to public institutions, (b) interpersonal job relations, and (c) perception of inmates. The article argues for a multidimensional understanding of Burnout Syndrome that incorporates political, social, and subjective aspects into the analysis, and places special emphasis on how prison workers' perception of inmates might be influencing the prevalence of PBS and the institutional objectives.

Resumo O artigo apresenta os resultados da pesquisa qualitativa em nível nacional sobre os fatores institucionais e sociais associados à Síndrome do Esgotamento Profissional (SEP) e ao estresse laboral em trabalhadores penitenciários peruanos. Foram realizadas 21 entrevistas com autoridades do Instituto Nacional Penitenciário do Peru (INPE) e 12 grupos focais com 59 trabalhadores das áreas de tratamento e segurança, em dez presídios (ep), em nível nacional. São apresentados os principais fatores institucionais e sociais: (a) variáveis políticas e económicas estruturais das instituições públicas, (b) relações de trabalho interpessoais e (c) percepção do interno(a). Finalmente, enfocou-se a compreensão multidimensional da SEP, em que aspectos políticos, sociais e subjetivos são incorporados à análise. Em particular, o artigo mostra como a percepção que os trabalhadores penitenciários têm dos reclusos pode causar impacto na prevalência da SEP e nos objetivos institucionais.

Síndrome de agotamiento profesional en enfermeras (SAP) y su relación con la satisfacción del paciente en la unidad de cuidados intensivos e intermedios en un hospital de tercer nivel / Professional exhaustion syndrome in nurses (SAP) and its relationship with patient satisfaction in the intensive and intermediate care unit in a tertiary hospital / Síndrome de exaustão profissional em enfermeiros (SAP) e sua relação com a satisfação do paciente na unidade de terapia intensiva e intermediária em um hospital terciário

El profesional de enfermería está comprometido a brindar atención de calidad al paciente de la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y unidad de cuidados intermedios (UTI) de forma humanizada, sin embargo existen factores que pueden interferir, uno de ellos es el Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional (SAP). Esta situación es un riesgo potencial para los resultados en la salud del paciente, debido a que puede afectar la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería y la seguridad del paciente. Asimismo, está documentado que hay efectos en la salud física y mental del personal, lo que trae como consecuencia una actitud inadecuada hacia el paciente y compañeros de trabajo. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre el Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional en las enfermeras y la Satisfacción del Paciente en una UCI y UTI. La Hipótesis: El SAP tiene relación con la satisfacción del paciente, a mayor prevalencia del SAP en las enfermeras, menor satisfacción del paciente. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, correlacional, transversal. El SAP se midió con el cuestionario de Maslach Inventory Burnout (MBI) en su versión al español, valora 3 dimensiones: Cansancio Emocional (CE), Despersonalización (DP), Realización personal (RP), Consta de 22 preguntas. Para medir la satisfacción del paciente se elaboró un instrumento que mide 4 dimensiones: Amabilidad, Comunicación, Comprensión, Desempeño profesional, esta inte4grado por 24 preguntas. Los Resultados: En cuanto a las enfermeras, participaron 66 el promedio de edad fue de 35 años, el 43.9% tiene de 1 a 10 años de ejercer enfermería, el 60.6% refirió estar muy satisfechas. La prevalencia del SAP fue en (CE) el 50% moderado, (DP) el 53% bajo, en (RP) el 37.9% bajo, en el Síndrome general el 56% moderado. Estadística inferencial, se aplicaron las pruebas de Fisher y X2 para valorar la asociación entre el SAP. Con respecto a los pacientes, participaron 30 el promedio de edad fue de 39.8% años, el 63.3% correspondió al sexo masculino, en la escolaridad el 46.7% tienen nivel básico (primaria y secundaria). En lo que se refiere a la satisfacción el 53.3% mencionó estar muy satisfecho, el 36.7% satisfecho. En la satisfacción total el 40% fue baja. Estadística inferencial, la satisfacción del paciente está asociada al nivel de escolaridad. Se preguntó adicionalmente que diferían que turno no les había agradado como los trato y el 40% mencionó que el turno nocturno. Conclusiones: La mayoría prevalencia del SAP fue para el nivel moderado; sin embargo, un bajo porcentaje presentó nivel alto, si se considera que es personal joven, podría esperarse un incremento importante en el futuro, debido a que se puede contagiar el SAP entre colegas. La satisfacción del paciente en su mayoría fue buena, sin embargo esto puede estar relacionado con la escolaridad ya que la mayor parte fue de nivel básico por lo que esto puede influir en la percepción de la calidad del cuidado. A manera de conclusión el SAP se asocia con los resultados negativos para la salud de las enfermeras síntomas somáticos, así como la insatisfacción en el trabajo, esto afecta la calidad del cuidado que se brinda al paciente. Esto demanda programas preventivos; a nivel de capacitación para mejorar las competencias y habilidades de las enfermeras y psicosociales para fortalecer las relaciones interpersonales y las estrategias de afrontamiento.

The nursing professional is committed to providing quality care to the patient in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the intermediate care unit (ICU) in a humanized way, however there are factors that can interfere, one of them is the Exhaustion Syndrome Professional (SAP). This situation is a potential risk for the patient's health outcomes, because it can affect the quality of nursing care and patient safety. Likewise, it is documented that there are effects on the physical and mental health of the staff, which results in an inadequate attitude towards the patient and coworkers. Objective: To analyze the relationship between the Professional Exhaustion Syndrome in nurses and Patient Satisfaction in an ICU and ICU. The Hypothesis: The SAP is related to patient satisfaction, the higher prevalence of SAP in nurses, lower patient satisfaction. Methodology: Descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study. The SAP was measured with the Maslach Inventory Burnout (MBI) questionnaire in its Spanish version, assessing 3 dimensions: Emotional Tiredness (EC), Depersonalization (DP), Personal Realization (RP), It consists of 22 questions. To measure patient satisfaction, an instrument was developed that measures 4 dimensions: Kindness, Communication, Comprehension, Professional Performance, is integrated by 24 questions. The Results: Regarding the nurses, 66 participated, the average age was 35 years, 43.9% had 1 to 10 years of nursing, 60.6% reported being very satisfied. The prevalence of SAP was in (CE) 50% moderate, (DP) 53% low, in (RP) 37.9% low, in General Syndrome 56% moderate. Inferential statistics, the Fisher and X2 tests were applied to assess the association between the SAP. Regarding the patients, 30 participated, the average age was 39.8% years, 63.3% corresponded to the male sex, 46.7% had a basic education level (primary and secondary). In terms of satisfaction, 53.3% said they were very satisfied, 36.7% satisfied. In total satisfaction 40% was low. Inferential statistics, patient satisfaction is associated with the level of schooling. It was further asked that they differed in which shift they had not liked how they were treated and 40% mentioned that the night shift. Conclusions: The majority prevalence of SAP was for the moderate level; however, a low percentage was high, if it is considered to be young staff, a significant increase could be expected in the future, because the SAP can be contacted among colleagues. Patient satisfaction was mostly good, however this may be related to schooling since most of it was at the basic level so this may influence the perception of the quality of care. In conclusion, the SAP is associated with the negative results for the health of the nurses somatic symptoms, as well as the dissatisfaction in the work, this affects the quality of the care provided to the patient. This demands preventive programs; at the level of training to improve the skills and abilities of nurses and psychosocials to strengthen interpersonal relationships and coping strategies.

A enfermeira está empenhada em fornecer cuidados de qualidade ao paciente na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários (UCI) de forma humanizada, no entanto, existem fatores que podem interferir, um deles é a síndrome de burnout Profissional (SAP). Essa situação é um risco potencial para os desfechos de saúde do paciente, pois pode afetar a qualidade do cuidado de enfermagem e a segurança do paciente. Além disso, é documentado que existem efeitos sobre a saúde física e mental de pessoal, o que resulta em uma atitude inadequada em relação aos pacientes e colegas. Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre a Síndrome do Exaustão Profissional em Enfermagem e a Satisfação do Paciente em uma UTI e UTI. A Hipótese: O SAP está relacionado à satisfação do paciente, a maior prevalência de PAE em enfermeiros, menor satisfação do paciente. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, correlacional, transversal. A SAP foi medida com o questionário Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) em sua versão em espanhol, avalia 3 dimensões: exaustão emocional (CE), despersonalização (DP), a realização pessoal (RP) tem 22 perguntas. Para medir a satisfação do paciente, foi desenvolvido um instrumento que mede 4 dimensões: bondade, comunicação, compreensão, desempenho profissional, é integrado por 24 questões. Resultados: Tal como para as enfermeiras, participaram 66 a idade média foi de 35 anos, 43,9% com 1 a 10 anos de prática de enfermeiros, 60,6% relataram estar muito satisfeitos. A prevalência foi SAP (CE) de 50% moderado (DP) 53% baixo, (RP) 37,9% de baixo, em 56% síndrome global moderada. Estatísticas inferenciais, os testes de Fisher e X2 foram aplicados para avaliar a associação entre o SAP. Em relação aos pacientes, 30 participaram, a média de idade foi de 39,8% anos, 63,3% corresponderam ao sexo masculino, 46,7% possuíam nível fundamental (primário e secundário). Em termos de satisfação, 53,3% disseram estar muito satisfeitos, 36,7% satisfeitos. Em total satisfação, 40% foi baixa. Estatísticas inferenciais, a satisfação do paciente está associada ao nível de escolaridade. Pediu-se além disso que diferissem em que turno não gostaram de como foram tratados e 40% mencionaram que o turno da noite. Conclusões: A prevalência majoritária de SAP foi para o nível moderado; no entanto, um percentual baixo foi alto, se for considerado jovem, um aumento significativo pode ser esperado no futuro, porque o SAP pode ser contatado entre os colegas. A satisfação do paciente foi em grande parte boa, no entanto, isso pode estar relacionado à escolaridade, já que a maior parte estava no nível básico, o que pode influenciar a percepção da qualidade do atendimento. Conclui-se que o PAS está associado aos resultados negativos para a saúde dos enfermeiros sintomas somáticos, assim como a insatisfação no trabalho, isso afeta a qualidade do cuidado prestado ao paciente. Isso exige programas preventivos; no nível de treinamento para melhorar as habilidades e habilidades dos enfermeiros e psicossociais para fortalecer as relações interpessoais e as estratégias de enfrentamento.

Edad, síndrome de agotamiento profesional (burnout), apoyo social y autoestima en agentes de tránsito, México / Age, Burnout Syndrome, Social Support and Self-Esteem in Traffic Agents, Mexico

Introducción: Las manifestaciones generadas por la exposición a agentes estresores laborales y a características de tipo individual traen consigo diversos daños a la salud que inciden en el desarrollo del síndrome de agotamiento profesional (burnout). Objetivo: Analizar las variables: edad de los participantes ante el síndrome, el apoyo social y la autoestima. Método: Población conformada por 875 agentes de tránsito, a la cual se aplicó un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos y laborales, la Escala de Maslach Burnout Inventory, el Inventario de Recursos Sociales de Díaz Veiga modificado y el cuestionario de autoestima IGA-2000. Resultados: 802 (91,6%) agentes eran hombres y 73 (8,4%) eran mujeres. La edad mínima fue de 20 años y la máxima de 84 años (un sujeto para cada uno). Se encontraron prevalencias para el síndrome de agotamiento profesional del 47,8% para el grupo menor de 42 años y del 65,9% para los mayores de 43 años. En cuanto al apoyo social objetivo, la prevalencia para el grupo mayor de 43 años fue del 16,1%; mientras que para el apoyo subjetivo, de 16,7%. Para la variable autoestima se observaron prevalencias en los mayores de 43 años del 7,9%. Los análisis inferenciales demostraron varias asociaciones significativas entre la edad y las variables de estudio. Conclusiones: La edad es una característica individual trascendental en la vida. Tener más edad es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo del síndrome, tener un inadecuado apoyo social y una autoestima baja.

Introduction: Events generated by exposure to job stressors together with individual characteristics bring about various health afflictions which come to bear on the development of burnout syndrome. Objective: To analyze the variables age, social support and self-esteem in regard to the development of burnout syndrome. Method: The population was composed of 875 traffic agents. A questionnaire on socio-demographic and occupational data was applied, together with the Maslach Burnout Inventory Scale (MBI-HSS), the Amended Social Resources Inventory of Diaz Veiga, and the IGA-2000 scale on self-esteem. Results: 802 (91.6%) traffic agents were men and 73 (8.4%) were women. The minimum age was 20 years and the maximum was 84 years (one individual each). The prevalence of burnout syndrome was of 47.8% for the age group under 42 years and 65.9% for those over 43 years. As for objective social support, the prevalence for the larger group of ages 43 years or more was 16.1%, while subjective support was 16.7%. The prevalence of the variable selfesteem was 7,9% in patients over 43 years old. The inferential analysis showed several significant associations between age and the study variables. Conclusions: Increased age is a risk factor in the development of burnout syndrome, as is having poor or inadequate social support and low self-esteem.

Influencia de la violencia en el medio escolar y en sus docentes: estudio en una localidad de Bogotá, Colombia / Influence of Violence on Teachers and the School: A Study in a Locality of Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: Existen algunos factores que aumentan el riesgo de aparición del síndrome de agotamiento profesional (SAP), como ejercer el trabajo en condiciones de violencia. Objetivo: Conocer la influencia de la violencia y de las pandillas en el quehacer docente y la apreciación de los profesores sobre la calidad de la educación. Método: Un estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo en 3 sedes de un colegio sometido a actos violentos por parte de pandillas. Se presentan los datos cualitativos que se derivan de 5 entrevistas en profundidad con informantes clave y 9 grupos focales (GF) con 114 docentes de 137 (83,2%). Resultados: Se describe la situación de violencia por pandillas. Se evidencian en los docentes situaciones de miedo, angustia o temor; desconcierto e incertidumbre; inseguridad y desconfianza; frustración, impotencia y desesperanza; tristeza y otras emociones derivadas de la situación. Se encontró disminución rendimiento docente-estudiante; poca autoridad y ruptura de límite; libertades limitadas; in uencia en la salud mental y en lo emocional del docente, entre otras. Los docentes sugieren dar mayor apoyo para actividades lúdicas, deportivas y espirituales; implementar nuevos métodos o estrategias pedagógicos; leyes en defensa de profesores e incentivos para éstos, entre otros. Conclusiones: La situación de violencia por pandillas afecta a la comunidad entera y por este motivo, también ejerce efectos sobre la relación profesor-estudiante y sobre la calidad de la educación. Por tanto, se requieren medidas orientadas a mejorar la comunicación entre los diferentes actores, y a proteger la labor educativa que estos profesionales llevan a cabo...

Introduction: There are related factors that increase the risk of presenting burnout syndrome, such as working in violent conditions. Objectives: To study the influence that violence in the community and gangs has on teaching on a daily basis, as well as the teachers’ opinion on the quality of education. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study in three locations of a school subject to violent acts by gangs. The qualitative data came from deep interviews with key informants and nine focal groups with 114 of the 137 teachers (83.2%). Results: The deep interviews describe the violent situation that gangs generate in the sector. We found that teachers experience: Fear and anguish, uncertainty, lack of security and distrust, frustration and impotence, sadness, and other emotions derived from the situation. In the second question the findings where: Lower student-teacher performance, no boundaries and little authority, limited freedom, consequences on the mental and emotional health of the teacher, among others. The teachers suggest more support for spiritual activities, sports, arts and fieldtrips; implementation of new methods and strategies for teaching; laws to protect the teacher and incentives for them, among others. Conclusions: The violence generated by the gangs affects the entire community, indirectly affecting the teacher-student relationship, and therefore the quality of education. This problem requires immediate actions to improve communication among the different parties implicated in the problem, and measures to protect the educational tasks undertaken by the teachers...

Prevalencia del Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional en médicos anestesiólogos de la ciudad de Mexicali / Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among anesthesiologists in Mexicali

Objetivo: Obtener la prevalencia del Síndrome de Agotamiento Profesional en los médicos anestesiólogos de la ciudad de Mexicali, B.C. México. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio poblacional, transversal y descriptivo, mediante cuestionario autoadministrado de Maslach a 92 médicos anestesiólogos de la ciudad de Mexicali, B.C., durante los meses de octubre del 2001 a febrero del 2002. Análisis estadístico: Chi cuadrada para las variables categóricas. Resultados: Se encuestaron a 22 mujeres y 67 hombres ( n = 89 ) obteniendo prevalencia de 44% con síndrome de agotamiento profesional, de los cuales 17% presentó alto grado de agotamiento emocional, 10% presentó alto grado de despersonalización y el 12.3% presentó baja realización personal. Conclusiones: De lo reportado por otros autores hay diferencias con nuestro estudio, posiblemente por corresponder a otras especialidades. Sugerimos estudios similares en otras ciudades del país para obtener prevalencia en este grupo de médicos especialistas.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Burnout syndrome among anesthesiologists in Mexicali, Mexico. Study design: We carried out a descriptive, cross sectional study. Burnout syndrome was measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBIHSS). We administered the inventory to 92 anesthesiologists between October 2001 and February 2002. Statistical analysis included Chi square tests for categorical variables. Results: 89 questionnaires were returned, 22 females and 67 males. Burnout prevalence was 44% divided as follows: 17% reported high emotional exhaustion, 12.3% reported symptoms compatible with depersonalization, and 10% experienced a sense of low personal accomplishment. Conclusions: Our study differs slightly from the literature, although this may be attributed to the medical specialty we chose to survey. We suggest similar studies be carried out in other cities in Mexico to be able to have comparison groups.

Factores de riesgo organizacionales asociados al síndrome de Burnout en médicos anestesiólogos

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract: Introduction Burnout Syndrome is considered by the WHO as a worker's risk, that causes mental and physical deterioration (headaches, gastrointestinal illness, high blood pressure, muscular tension and chronic fatigue). This is a result of chronic stress and of the workplace environment, which today is cold, hostile, demanding, both economically and psychologically. People are becoming cynical, with negative feelings toward their patients and their professional roll; they feel emotional exhaustion. This occurs frequently in health workers who deal with people who are dependent. What is the cause of this syndrome that is damaging the community of the workers? It is due to many facts, such as organizations where there is work overload (workload is a dimension of organizational life, this means productivity. In their scramble for increased productivity, organizations push people beyond what they can sustain, making work more intense, demanding more time and becoming more complex; this is the major risk factor, in which is shown an uncorrelation between the people and their work); lack of control (of the capacity to set priorities in their own work, to select and to make decisions regarding resources that are central in the professional roll; politics of the organization that interfere with this capacity, reduce individual autonomy an involvement with work); lack of reward (lack of community harmony, lack of fairness and also value conflict); breakdown of community (the loss of harmony in the community is made evident by greater conflicts among people, less mutual support and respect, and a growing sense of isolation); absence of fairness (trust, openness and respect, are all three, elements of fairness essential to maintain a person's engagement with work. Their absence contributes directly to burnout); conflicting valúes (this occurs when there is no correlation between the sources of workplace and the personal values, in some cases work overload makes people work with no ethics, causing them conflict with their own values). This syndrome has three dimensions: Exhaustion. When people experience exhaustion, they feel overextresed, both emotionally and physically; they feel drained, unable to recover, they don't sleep enough, and lack of energy needed to face new projects. Exhaustion is the first reaction to the stress of job demands or major change. Cynicism. They take a distant attitude toward work and the people on the job. They minimise their involvement at work and even give up their ideals. In some way, this is a form of protecting themselves from exhaustion and disappointment, persons feel it's safer to be indifferent, especially when the future is uncertain. Such a negative attitude can seriously damage a person's well-being and capacity to work. Ineffectiveness. Persons feel a growing sense of inadequacy, every project seems overwhelming, they think everybody conspires against them, and whatever they do, seems to be trivial. They lose confidence in themselves, and at the same time, others lose confidence in them. They become vulnerable to family strangements, and to abandon social activities, they tend to remain alone. By this time they can incur in drug abuse, become mentaly insane, and in extreme cases, comit suicide. The measurement instrument for the diagnosis of Burnout Syndrome is Maslach Burnout Inventory, which allows to sample large populations under this condition; it was developed by Maslach in 1976, and a large number of studies have been developed by this time. Chronic stress could have important effects on the quality of family relationships and have a negative influence in anesthesiology performance as well. Because of this important problem that affects physical condition of illness, mental health and performance and quality of medical services, and also because there are no studies in the anesthesiologist environment, we performed this study to asses burnout among anesthesiologist in the city of Mexicali, Baja California. The object of this study was to determine and evaluate the organizational factors associated to burnout, because anesthesiologist performs at surgery rooms, where they have to manage chronic and sustained stress; moreover they get involved with patients, and are exposed to organizational factors. Burnout may affect mental health, and thus, the performance of the anesthesiologist practice, fact that even may put in serious risk the life of patients. Material and methods Control and cases study was performed, universe included all anesthesiologist in Mexicali City (n=92), excluding thoses that are not active in anesthesiologist practice, and who refused to respond the surveys. Cases group was constituted by anesthesiologists with burnout syndrome and control group was constitute by anesthesiologists without burnout. Sampling was obtained by Cochran's formula obtaining n=28 for each group. Independent variables were vicious organizational factors (work overload, lack of control, lack of reward, breakdown of community, absence of fairness, conflicting values). Dependent variable was Burnout Syndrome. Valídate instruments use were Maslach's Inventory for diagnosis of Burnout and a general sociodemographic inventory, for risk factors. Statistic analysis performed were descriptive analysis, proportion tests for two populations, Odds ratios, and Chi2, at the same time Logistic regression was performed, the statistic program use was BMDP and Epi Info 6. Results First of all, we estimated the prevalence of burnout, excluding three anesthesiologists that refused to answer the inventory test, of 89 persons analyzed we obtained 37 cases, that gives us a prevalance of 44%. The group case was constituted by 23 males and five females, control group by 19 males and 9 females (p>0.05). Mean age of case group was 43.7 years; control group 45.8 years. Civil state for cases group was 85.7% married, 7.1% divorced, 3.5% single, 3.5% not married couple, for control group 71.4% married, 14.3% single, 7.1% widows and 7.1% not married couple; working time for case group range from 24 years to two years, mean age 13.5 years, control group range from 28 years to two years, mean age 16.4 years. For no organizational factors, being married or divorced was a risk for burnout with OR 5.20, having children's was a risk for burnout with OR 33.2, and having more years at work was also significant for developing burnout with OR 1.17. For organizational factors, the two variables for risk for burnout were work overload with p = 0.003, and conflicting values with p = 0.034, the other factors were no significant. Discussion The most important findings of the present study, were that work overload is a factor risk for burnout, this agrees with literature reports, where it is said that work overload is the factor that most affects health workers. In relation to conflicting values it also agrees with Maslach's studies, where the author says that this occurs where there is no correlation between work demand and moral values. In most cases, work overload can lead people to act with no ethics in their work, this creating conflicts with their moral values. In this study conflicting values result in being an protecting factor, considering Maslach's publishing, this is a form that health workers assume to try to protect themselves against exhaustion and deception, thus adopting the form of cynicism. The sieges we can find in this study is the honesty in the answers of the persons, besides this is assume by the inventory, this exist. Another siege is the sample size, but this was affront by an statistic manner. It is so important to continue with new investigation lines, because as long as a medical doctor has good mental and physical health, he will be apt to give qualified attention to patients. At the same time is important that organizations recognize this health problem, so they can provide psychiatric intervention for those medical doctors who are affected by this syndrome, and try also to reestructure their organization in order to avoid this problems.