Prevalence and Determinants of Burnout Syndrome Among Nurses Working in Critical Care Units at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
Keywords:
Burnout syndrome, Critical care nurses, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Occupational factors, Organizational factors, Saudi ArabiaAbstract
Background: Burnout syndrome is a significant occupational health issue among nurses, especially those in critical care settings facing high patient acuity and workload demands.
Aim: This study assessed the magnitude of burnout syndrome and identified occupational and organizational factors associated with burnout among nurses in critical care departments at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital at Jouf, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 nurses working in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), General Intensive Care Unit (GICU), and Emergency Department at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, occupational and organizational variables, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess burnout levels. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.
Results: The study found a moderate overall level of burnout (Mean = 2.44 ± 1.82), with 55.5% of nurses experiencing moderate burnout symptoms. Significant associations were observed between burnout and age (p = 0.021), years of experience (p = 0.043), department (p = 0.037), and shift type (p = 0.018). Higher burnout was seen among older nurses, those with at least 10 years of experience, emergency department staff, and those working rotating shifts. Occupational factors included extended working hours, limited time to complete tasks, moderate peer support, and a significant intention to leave. Organizationally, nurses perceived a moderately positive workplace culture, teamwork, safety, and stress management policies.
Conclusion: Burnout among critical care nurses in King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital is moderate but substantial, especially among experienced and rotating-shift nurses. Targeted organizational interventions are needed to reduce burnout and support nurse retention and well-being.
