![]()
Over the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) experienced a significant increase in symptoms of occupational burnout (OB), reports a study from Brazil in the November
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Led by Carolina Meira Moser, MD, MSc, PhD of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, the researchers assessed changes in OB symptoms in a sample of HCWs at the onset of the pandemic and again six months later. During that time, Brazil was the "global epicenter of COVID-19," with strict containment measures in place. A total of 316 HCWs completed study questionnaires as baseline and at six-month follow-up.
During this period, scores for personal and work-related burnout increased significantly. The proportion of respondents who perceived themselves to be in a state of burnout increased from 29.1% to 37.4%.
With adjustment for other factors, a history of psychiatric diagnosis and longer working hours were significant risk factors for OB. In contrast, having a partner, good family relations, workplace well-being, and adequate sleep protected against burnout.
Burnout related to caring for patients did not increase over time, even as the number of HCWs working with patients affected by COVID-19 increased. This may reflect growing knowledge regarding COVID-19 and its transmission, the authors suggest.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected the mental health and well-being of HCWs, raising the risk of OB and jeopardizing the quality of patient care. The study—one of the few to provide longitudinal follow-up data—confirmed the researchers' hypothesis that the pandemic would exacerbate OB levels. "Our study adds to the understanding of long-term dynamics of OB and well-being among HCWs," Dr. Moser comments.
“Our study is among the few to track the evolving mental health of HCWs over the course of the pandemic, demonstrating the cumulative effects of stress and support mechanisms on burnout. In the context of the unprecedented stresses and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our results emphasize the intertwined nature of sleep quality, OB, and social support, advocating for comprehensive OB prevention strategies that address both individual and organizational factors to enhance HCWs' well-being effectively,” Dr. Moser added.