Prevalence, Predisposing Factors and Awareness of Burnout Among Kenyan Radiologists and Radiology Trainees

Abstract

Background: Burnout refers to an occupation syndrome characterized by overwhelming exhaustion, feelings of cynicism or depersonalization, and a sense of ineffectiveness and lower efficacy. High rates of burnout varying from 30% to 75% are seen across all medical specialties globally. Studies on professional burnout are lacking amongst Kenyan radiologists and trainees. Objective: To determine the prevalence, associated factors and awareness of burnout among Kenyan radiologists and radiology trainees Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 22nd March and 22nd April 2021.Eligible radiologists (200) under the Kenya Association of Radiologists (KAR) and trainees (95) in the three training schools in the country were invited to complete an anonymized 45- item survey that included the abbreviated 9 item licensed Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Sciences Survey. The association between mean emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP), and personal achievement (PA) scores with items in the survey was performed. Data analysis was done using R-4.0.3 software. Results: From the 295 surveys sent out, a total of 132 were completed and returned giving an overall survey response rate of 44.7 % (132/295). There were fewer responses from radiologists at 36% (72/200) compared to 63.2% (60/95) from trainees, p<0.001. Mean age of radiologist respondents was 41.6 years (8.3 SD) and for trainees 33.2 (3.2 SD). More females completed the survey with male to female ratios of 1:1.5 and 1:1.3 for radiologists and trainees respectively. The overall burnout prevalence among study respondents was 51.5%. The prevalence of burnout was significantly higher in trainees (65%) compared to 40.3% among radiologists, p=0.005. Depersonalization was also higher among trainees (Mean =7) compared to radiologists (Mean =4.2), p=0.007. Significant predisposing factors to burnout among radiologists were; unstable income (p =0.016), dissatisfaction with the physical work environment (p=0.044), un-involvement in academia (p =0.035), unavailability of resting rooms (p=0.021). Working exclusively in the public sector was protective against burnout (p=0.022). Significant predisposing factors to burnout among radiology trainees were; self- sponsorship (p=0.026), younger age <32 years (p= 0.040), having adequate equipment (p=0.040). Protective factors among trainees included access to passive income (p=0.003) and availability of PACS (p= 0.007). Majority of the participants (79%) were aware of signs and symptoms of burnout. Control strategies suggested include employing more staff, providing resting rooms and better pay. Conclusion: In this baseline study to assess burnout amongst Kenyan radiologists and trainees, it can be seen that there was significant burnout with an overall prevalence of 51.5%. The major contributory factors were unstable income, unsatisfactory physical work environments and unavailability of resting rooms for radiologists. Contributing factors among trainees included self-sponsorship, PACS availability, having passive income and aged below 32 years. The level of burnout awareness was high.