PREVALENCE OF BURNOUT SYNDROME IN NURSING STAFF DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ABSTRACT

Theoretical framework Nursing work has been considered as a potential source of burnout, with consequences in the personal sphere and in the work and family environments. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome in nursing staff in two health centers in the metropolitan region of Buenos Aires, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Observational and analytical study, with anonymous and voluntary participation that included 89 nurses. Data collection during April-June 2021 through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results: The sample was composed mostly of women (83.2%), with a high level of training among Professional Nurses and Graduates (92.2%);ages ranged from 23 to 63 years, with different years of professional experience. The prevalence of burnout syndrome turned out to be high (89.9%) whether its value is considered globally or for each of the three dimensions of the Maslach Scale. Conclusions: Nine out of ten nurses are affected by burnout syndrome. This high prevalence may be associated with the performance of extra tasks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of prevention and early detection programs is proposed, along with the design of strategies for the proper management of work stress. © 2023 Universidad Miguel Hernandez. All rights reserved.