Frequency and Intensity of Occupational Burnout and Its Determinants among Midwives

Burnout syndrome comprises three dimensions, namely emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and decreased personal accomplishment. Regarding the difficulties in the midwifery profession, midwives are at risk of burnout.

This study aimed to determine the intensity and frequency of burnout and its related factors in midwives working in healthcare centers of Tehran, Iran.

In this cross-sectional study, 300 midwives were selected by the cluster-random method. Data collection tools were demographic and Maslach burnout questionnaires. The data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 16).

The mean scores of burnout frequency and intensity in midwives were 54.31±14.54 and 62.71±17.46, respectively. Among the three dimensions of occupational burnout, the highest frequency (50%) and intensity (59.3%) were related to decreased personal accomplishment. Occupational burnout and its dimensions had a significant relationship with the variables of high workload, unwillingness to do their job, work shifts, and service department (P<0.05).

High workload, unwillingness to do the midwifery job, and long consecutive or night shifts in the hospital increase the rate of occupational burnout among midwives. In addition to the loss of capital and reduction of productivity, occupational burnout can reduce the quality of midwifery care and decrease the satisfaction of clients. It is suggested that by using the results of this study, appropriate measures be taken to reduce the burnout of midwives.Keywords: Health services centers, Iran, Midwives, Occupational burnout