Prevalence of Burnout and Associated Factors Among Family Medicine Residency in Thailand

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of burnout and associated factors among family medicine residents in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted by all Thai Family Medicine residents year 1 to 3 during February 2019. Self-reported questionnaires, including demographic data, and the Thai version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory were distributed to 703 residents via electronic transmissions, including e-mail, Facebook, and Line instant communication application. Burnout was diagnosed by the following criteria: high-level emotional exhaustion, high-level depersonalization, and low-level personal accomplishment. Factors associated with burnout were explored by the univariate logistic regression model. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the independent risk factors of burnout among Thai Family Medicine residents. RESULTS: There were 149 residents who participated in this study, with a response rate of 21% (n = 703). As no residents diagnosed with burnout using the proposed criteria, burnout was, therefore, redefined as residents reporting high-level emotional exhaustion and high-level depersonalization. The prevalence of burnout in family medicine residents in this study was 10.74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.26%-16.85%). Our study found that having relationship problems with patients, having relationship problems with colleagues, and having thought of resigning from the training program were independently associated with burnout with odds ratios of 6.93 (95% CI: 1.64-29.27), 6.31 (95% CI: 1.89-21.12), and 4.16 (95% CI: 1.09-15.81), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout at high level in emotional exhaustion and high level in depersonalization can occur among family medicine residents. Concerning factors were found to be patient and colleague relationship problems and having thought of resigning from the residency program. Other factors that may contribute to burnout were type of training programs, insufficient income, and family relationship. We recommend that the training institute should be able to monitor residents’ stress level and to help prevent those who have burnout and reduce its impact.