ABSTRACT
Introduction: Since the declaration of COVID 19 pandemic by the WHO, the mental health toll the virus has taken on the globe, affects the health care workers in many folds which is reflected by mounting evidence on high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress among HCW.1,2,3 Psychological stresses among HCWs measured in terms of burnout provide valuable evidence to initiate support services in COVID care settings.4 The psychological distress among HCW during a pandemic of current nature, is attributed to being parents of dependent children, being junior in service, longer quarantine period, lack of practical support and stigma5 Though the health system in Sri Lanka is overwhelmingly burdened by the disease little is known about psychological issues of HCW in the country. Objectives: To Evaluate the prevalence of burnout and to identify some factors associated with burnout among health care workers attached to COVID 19 management settings in Sri Lanka Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 selected COVID care settings in the country. Data from HCW dealing with COVID care were collected using google forms. Burnout was assessed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory with 0-100 scale. A score above 50 is considered as the presence of burnout. Some selected factors associated with burnout was tested with Z test and chi square test. Results: There were 473 respondents (doctors (33.4%), nurses (51.6%), physiotherapists (4.2%), radiographers (4.2%) and other staff (7.4%)). Sixty-three percent of HCW worked in intensive care facilities. There were 342 (72.5%) females and 125 (26.4%) males. Majority (61%) were between 21 to 30 years. Eighty percent of HCW had no comorbidities and 91.8% of them were vaccinated against COVID-19. The overall prevalence of burnout was 70.6 % while the prevalence of personal related, work related and client related burnout were 61.5%, 75% and 71.2% respectively. Burnout of doctors was 65.8% of nurses was 72.5% of physiotherapists was 70% of radiographers was 87.5 and the burnout of other staff was 25%. Mean burnout score was significantly higher among nurses compared to doctors (p, 0.0033) and female compared to male workers (p, 0.014). Conclusions: High prevalence of burnout is evident among all categories of HCW in COVID care settings in Sri Lanka. Establishment of necessary support services prioritizing nurses and administrative interventions are recommended.