Abstract 1579P
Background
Burnout (BT) is a major challenge affecting healthcare professionals with negative impact on personal and organizational levels. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of BT among oncology physicians (OP) in the MENA region and its predictors.
Methods
A cross-sectional study utilizing an online questionnaire of the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) of emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DE), and Personal Achievement (PA) plus questions regarding demography/work-related factors and attitudes toward oncology was distributed to (OP) across the Arab region. Data were analyzed to measure BT prevalence, severity and associated factors.
Results
Between February 10 and March 15, 2020, 1054 participants responded. Of the 1017 eligible participants, 64% were medical oncologists, 80% were <40 years, 54% females, 74% married, 67% with children, and 40% practiced hobby. BT prevalence is 68%. High EE and DE reported in 35%, and 57%, respectively, while 49% scored low PA. High BT is associated with younger age (P<0.001), administrative work >25%/day (P=0.003), and quitting oncology thought (P<0.001) (Table). Whereas practicing hobby (P=0.02), enjoying oncology communications (P<0.001), and appreciating oncology life-work balance (P=0.021) are associated with reduced BT score and prevalence. NA countries reported the highest BT prevalence (P<0.001). Gender, marital status, children, subspecialty, years in practice, and practicing setting/number impacted neither BT prevalence nor its severity. Seventy-two percent lacked BT education/support. Table: 1579P
The thought of quitting oncology is consistently predictive of high EE, DE and Low PA
| Thought of quitting oncology | High EE Adjusted OR (95%CI) | P-value | High DE Adjusted OR (95%CI) | P-value | Low PA Adjusted OR (95%CI) | P-value |
| Always | 6.9 (4.00-12.22) | <0.001 | 7.85 (4.05-15.24) | <0.001 | 3.14 (1.81-5.48) | <0.001 |
| Sometimes | 4.47 (3.07-6.50) | <0.001 | 3.67 (2.61-5.16) | <0.001 | 2.14 (1.45-3.15) | <0.001 |
| Rarely | 1.58 (1.02-2.44) | 0.038 | 1.65 (1.14-2.38) | 0.007 | 1.93 (1.25- 2.98) | 0.003 |
| Never (ref) | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Conclusions
BT among OP in the MENA region is alarmingly prevalent. The thought of quitting oncology is a consistent predictor for high BT and sub-domains, which makes it a potential screening tool to detect BT. Proactive interventions to mitigate and manage burnout are urgently needed which, in turn, should reflect positively on patients’ care.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.