The perception of burnout and related influencing factors in Tunisian oncology nurses

• Published in: Journal of evaluation in clinical practice 2024-09, Vol.30 (6), p.1066-1075
• Main Authors: Zemni, Ines, Mansouri, Houyem, Abidi, Fethia, Ayadi, Mohamed Ali, Yahyaoui, Yosra, Ben Dhiab, Tarek
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Burnout; burnout syndrome; Burnout, Professional - epidemiology; Burnout, Professional - psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Marital status; Middle Aged; Nurses; Nursing Staff, Hospital - psychology; Oncology; Oncology Nursing; Prevalence; risk factors; Tunisia; Tunisia - epidemiology
• ISSN: 1356-1294; 1365-2753; 1365-2753
• DOI: 10.1111/jep.14021

Background Oncology nurses constantly provide emotional support to patients and are confronted with their suffering, which represents chronic stress leading to the development of burnout syndrome. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and identify associated factors in a sample of oncology nurses. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross‐sectional study with 70 oncology nurses at the Salah Azaiez Institute of Oncology in Tunisia. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Service Survey. This study follows the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Guidelines. Results Burnout affected 60 nurses (85.7%), with a high level in 20% of cases. High scores of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment were recorded in 65.7%, 50% and 25.7% respectively. Emotional exhaustion was associated with higher age, marital status, having 2 or 3 or more dependent children, number of patients under care exceeding 15, professional experience and history of psychiatric problems. Depersonalisation was correlated with age, marital status, professional grade and history of psychiatric problems. Low levels of personal accomplishment increased with the number of patients under care, history of psychiatric problems and the regret of professional choice. Conclusion Burn‐out is a reality in oncology hospital with an alarming rate. Interventions including rationalisation of workload, support groups, training in emotion and stress management would improve the mental health of these nurses and increase their performance. The screening for burnout should be included as a regular practice in health promotion programmes for oncology health professionals, particularly for a vulnerable subgroup that possesses the risk mentioned above factors.