Risk factors for physician burnout: a perspective from Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: while physician burnout has been studied in high-income countries, more research is necessary on burnout in lesser-income regions such as Tanzania. This study aimed to determine levels of burnout in Tanzanian physicians and to understand the contributing risk factors for burnout in this region.

Methods: the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) was adapted to assess burnout in Tanzanian physicians. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, we studied two distinct cohorts: 1) Emergency Medicine (EM) trained physicians in Tanzania and; 2) specialists at Bugando Medical Centre. We surveyed demographic, personal, and workplace data to identify risk factors for burnout.

Results: seventy-seven percent (30/39) of Tanzanian EM providers and 39% (37/94) of Bugando specialists completed the survey. We identified burnout in 67% of Tanzanian EM providers and in 70% of specialists at Bugando. Burnout risk factors in EM physicians included dissatisfaction with career choice, considering switching institutions, working in an urban setting, inadequate coverage for emergencies/leave, and financial housing responsibilities. In Bugando specialists, risk factors were unnecessary administrative paperwork, working overnight shifts, pressure to achieve patient satisfaction or decrease length of stay, meaningful mentorship, and not having a close friend/family member die.

Conclusion: this study reports a high prevalence of burnout in Tanzanian physicians. Risk factors for burnout were multifactorial but mainly related to institutional and workplace constituents. Targeting these risk factors provides opportunities to boost physician wellness and guides important areas for future research in this African region.